Mumbai, Jun 12 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s completion of 12 years in office, saying he was “not only the longest serving, but the finest serving” PM of India, who enhanced the country’s stature globally and brought a “360-degree transformation”.
He said references to PM Modi overtaking Jawaharlal Nehru as the longest-serving PM were only a matter of record and not aimed at comparing the two leaders.
Addressing a press conference here, Fadnavis dubbed the Congress as a “sinking ship”, and said any wise person would not board it.
Modi on Wednesday became the longest-serving elected prime minister of India in his third consecutive term, breaking the record of 4,398-day tenure of the first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Speaking on Wednesday, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar praised Nehru, saying his sacrifices and contribution to nation building cannot be forgotten, and said there could be no comparison between him and PM Modi.
Speaking about it, Fadnavis said, “There has been no comparison between Nehru and Modi. It is only a matter of fact that PM Modi has broken the record of serving 4,398 days. What is wrong in saying that a record has been broken?” “Jawaharlal Nehru is in his place and Modi ji is in his place,” he said, adding that PM Modi had created a “new India” and fulfilled several aspirations that remained incomplete even 60 years after Independence.
“It is important not only because PM Modi served for so long. What is important is that he has changed the face of the country and enhanced India’s stature across the world,” Fadnavis said.
He said Modi’s legacy was defined not only by longevity in office but by the scale of change brought during his tenure.
“This is not only about being the longest serving prime minister. Not only the longest serving, but the finest serving. He has brought about a 360-degree transformation in the country,” he said.
Claiming that Modi’s popularity remained unmatched globally, Fadnavis said international rating agencies consistently ranked him as the world’s most popular leader and maintained his approval ratings at around 75 per cent.
On speculation over possible merger of TMC with the Congress, the BJP leader said, “Neither this party is saying so, nor that party is saying so. It is a third person who is talking about it. A wise person does not board a sinking ship like the Congress.” Fadnavis said any consolidation among opposition parties would not be a cause for concern for the BJP-led alliance. “If they consolidate, more political space gets created for us. Therefore, we have no reason to worry,” he said.
He asserted that the Mahayuti alliance would contest the 2029 Maharashtra assembly elections together.
“Seventy-five to eighty per cent of what I have spoken today reflects the NDA’s position and not just the BJP’s. In 2029 also, the Mahayuti will fight the elections together,” he said.
Fadnavis claimed Maharashtra had benefited significantly under the Modi government.
“During the UPA government’s tenure, Maharashtra received around Rs 2 lakh crore. In PM Modi’s 10 years, it has received Rs 12 lakh crore. If this is not a benefit, then what is?” he asked.
Nearly 40 billion dollars worth of commitments have come to India and Maharashtra alone accounts for about 55 per cent of them, he said.
On concerns over El Nino and possible drought conditions, Fadnavis said the state had begun preparations well in advance.
“When rainfall is deficient, big dams do not help much. Small water conservation structures are more useful. Targets have been given to every district to complete such works,” he said.
He said the agriculture and animal husbandry departments had been instructed to implement fodder development programmes and appealed to farmers to follow advisories issued by the state.
“If farmers sow as per the government’s advisory, there will be no need for re-sowing. Agricultural universities and the agriculture department are issuing advisories and we are also sending SMS messages,” he said.
On changing crop patterns, Fadnavis said the process would take time.
“Changing crop patterns is a generational task. It cannot happen in four, five or six years. New crops require inputs, market linkages and markets. We are trying to diversify beyond the cotton and soybean cycle, but it will take time,” he said.
On the recently announced farm loan waiver, he said over 40 lakh farmers would benefit from it.
“We have inserted only one condition for those who have repeatedly received waivers. They will also get relief upto a fixed amount but they will have to repay the remaining amount . Otherwise our banking system will collapse,” he said.
Speaking on freedom of expression and the controversy surrounding a stand-up comedian, Fadnavis said stand up comedians should keep in mind the minimum parameters of dignity.
“Everyone has the right to freedom of expression and I myself watch stand-up comedy. It is a source of entertainment. But freedom of expression should not become a licence. No one should violate the dignity of others. One person’s expression should not infringe upon another person’s right to live with dignity,” he said.
Police have registered a case against stand-up comedian Pranit More, web developer Himanshu Jangra and others, who are at the centre of a controversy over remarks made during a comedy show that allegedly glorified coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman. PTI MR NP
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