Governance – Fadnavis Praises Modi’s 12 Years of Leadership and Growth
Governance – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12 years in office, describing the period as a phase of comprehensive transformation that has reshaped multiple sectors across the country. Addressing journalists, Fadnavis said the Prime Minister has surpassed the tenure record of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the nation’s history. Extending his greetings on behalf of Maharashtra’s 14 crore residents, he said the milestone reflects a significant chapter in modern Indian governance.
Political Expansion Under the NDA
Highlighting the National Democratic Alliance’s performance over the years, Fadnavis stated that the coalition has achieved a level of political reach and administrative presence rarely seen before. According to him, governments aligned with the NDA are currently in power across 22 states, covering a substantial portion of the country. He noted that such political expansion demonstrates broad public support and reflects the alliance’s continued electoral success.
The Chief Minister also pointed to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s growing influence in different regions of India. Referring to the party’s emergence in West Bengal, he described it as a significant development, particularly because the state is closely associated with Syama Prasad Mookerjee, one of the party’s ideological inspirations.
Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction
Speaking about economic achievements, Fadnavis said India continues to maintain its position among the world’s fastest-growing major economies. He credited various government initiatives for improving economic conditions and strengthening financial stability.
According to him, more than 25 crore citizens have moved out of extreme poverty during the last decade. He described this progress as one of the most notable social and economic changes witnessed in recent years. He also highlighted the impact of programmes aimed at women’s empowerment, noting that millions of women have become financially independent through government-supported initiatives. The administration now aims to further expand these efforts and reach additional beneficiaries across the country.
Strengthening Financial Systems
Fadnavis emphasized improvements in India’s financial infrastructure and digital economy. He stated that Direct Benefit Transfer schemes have enabled government assistance to reach beneficiaries directly, reducing delays and increasing transparency. Large volumes of financial support have been transferred through these systems over the years.
He also highlighted the international acceptance of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), noting that the digital payment platform is now operational in several countries. In addition, he said direct tax collections have witnessed significant growth, reflecting increased economic activity and compliance.
Discussing fiscal stability, the Chief Minister said India’s foreign exchange reserves and economic strength provide a strong cushion against global uncertainties. He contrasted the current situation with earlier periods when international institutions had raised concerns about the country’s financial vulnerabilities.
Infrastructure and Development Projects
The Chief Minister further underlined the government’s focus on infrastructure development. He stated that public investment in roads, transport networks, and other major projects has increased considerably over the past decade. Highway construction, he said, has accelerated significantly, contributing to better connectivity and economic opportunities across regions.
He added that infrastructure spending has become a major driver of growth, helping create jobs and support long-term development goals.
Governance and Welfare Measures
Fadnavis also praised the administration’s record on transparency, saying that the government has maintained a corruption-free image throughout its tenure. He argued that welfare schemes have been designed to provide lasting support to citizens rather than short-term political benefits.
Among the initiatives mentioned was the free foodgrain programme, which continues to support millions of families by strengthening food security across the country.
Focus on Maharashtra’s Farmers
Turning to state matters, the Chief Minister confirmed that a dedicated government sub-committee has been formed to monitor Maharashtra’s farm loan waiver programme. He said the scheme has already assisted around 40 lakh farmers.
Fadnavis also encouraged farmers to explore crop diversification instead of relying heavily on traditional cultivation patterns. He urged them to follow official agricultural guidance during the upcoming sowing season and assured that the state government would work to ensure adequate fodder availability for livestock owners.