MVA’s ‘vajramuth’ falling apart, it cannot fight BJP-Shiv Sena, says Devendra Fadnavis

The “iron fist” remark was a reference to the MVA’s rallies called vajramuth sabha, to be organised across the state.

State BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, former minister Sanjay Kute and MLAs and party workers from the region also attended the event.

“At the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is working for the welfare of the OBCs, the poor and all segments. Through the Garib Kalyan Yojana, there is a defined purpose to bring change in the lives of the poor and backward classes,” Fadnavis said.

“The Washim district, which was neglected for long, has got new connectivity because of the Samruddhi Mahamarg,” he said, claiming that the state had to suffer for two and a half years because of the “incompetent” MVA government.

“Even the famous Washim pilgrimage Poharadevi was denied funds during the MVA regime. But we made a substantial allocation in the 2023-24 budget for developing the pilgrimage centre. It is the main pilgrimage centre of the Banjara community. People across the country visit it,” the deputy chief minister said.

“The compensation to farmers is two times more than that recommended by the NDRF. And the crop loss criteria was expanded from two hectares to three hectares. Till now Rs 12,000 crore have been allocated as crop loss compensation to farmers,” he said.

Fadnavis further said the state government had amended the norms to provide more facilities to farmers. “The continuous rainfall of 65 mm will also be considered while assessing crop loss. Under the Shetkari Sanman Yojna, farmers are entitled to an annual income of Rs 6,000 from the Centre. The state government will give another Rs 6,000 to farmers every year. As a result, the farmers will get Rs 12,000 every year,” the BJP leader said.

The government has decided to give cash, instead of foodgrains, to farmers in distressed districts of the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions, Fadnavis said. “The farmers will have to pay only Rs 1. The entire premium amount will be borne by the state government. In case of any accident, farmers’ compensation has been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh,” he said.

“Magel tyala shettal (farm pond on demand), which was a popular scheme during our 2014-2019 tenure, was stalled by the MVA. We have revived this scheme to maximise the benefits to farmers,” he added.

The deputy chief minister said that housing for all remained high on the government’s priority list. “The Modi Awas Yojana is in progress. Through this scheme 10 lakh houses will be built in three years. For the first time, we have decided to give the rural road projects to the PWD, for which Rs 4,000 crore will be provided,” he added.

To make travel affordable to the poor and rural people, all those travelling by state transport buses will have to pay only 50 per cent for tickets, the deputy chief minister announced.

Fadnavis also said that the state government was also promoting solar energy to make uninterrupted power supply to the agriculture sector a reality. “Farmers who provide agricultural land for solar plants will be given Rs 50,000 annually. The land title will remain in the farmers’ names. Every year the farmers will get a 3 per cent increase,” he added.