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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Fadnavis writes off Rs 48,000 crore

Mumbai: In a clear indication that the Maharashtra government is leaving no stone unturned to keep the state’s agrarian base happy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has unleashed yet another massive populist measure. Hot on the heels of relaxing the eligibility criteria to ensure a blanket farm loan waiver, the Chief Minister announced a sweeping Rs 48,000 crore waiver on the pending electricity bills of farmers across the state. Addressing a ‘Krutadnyata Sohala’ (gratitude ceremony)...

Fadnavis writes off Rs 48,000 crore

Mumbai: In a clear indication that the Maharashtra government is leaving no stone unturned to keep the state’s agrarian base happy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has unleashed yet another massive populist measure. Hot on the heels of relaxing the eligibility criteria to ensure a blanket farm loan waiver, the Chief Minister announced a sweeping Rs 48,000 crore waiver on the pending electricity bills of farmers across the state. Addressing a ‘Krutadnyata Sohala’ (gratitude ceremony) organized by the BJP Kisan Morcha at Mumbai’s Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan on Wednesday, Fadnavis declared that farmers using agricultural pumps of up to 7.5 horsepower will see their historical electricity dues completely wiped out. The announcement was met with the traditional sounding of the Tutari and thunderous applause from hundreds of farmers who had gathered from every corner of the state. The Chief Minister framed the mega-sop as a necessary step to “wipe the farmers’ slate clean,” enabling them to write a new chapter of prosperity. Calculated Pitch The timing and scale of the announcement underscore a government that is boldly embracing populist economics to solidify its political footprint in rural Maharashtra. While Fadnavis maintained that these decisions were taken purely in the interest of the farmers—pointing out that the original loan waiver was announced when no elections were in sight—the political undertones were unmistakable. Taking a sharp dig at the opposition, the Chief Minister accused rival parties of running “political shops” in the name of farmer agitations without understanding the government’s genuine intent. Asserting his grassroots connection, Fadnavis proudly claimed, “I do not make decisions sitting in my house. I am a farmer myself, a man of the soil.” He openly defended the government’s recent move to strip away the stringent conditions attached to the blanket farm loan waiver, signaling that his administration will not hesitate to clear bureaucratic hurdles if it means putting money directly into the hands of the rural voter. Balancing Sops Even as he rained freebies, the Chief Minister attempted to balance the populist optics with a dose of economic pragmatism. He acknowledged that handing out repeated loan waivers is a symptom of deep-rooted agrarian distress, not a permanent cure. Pointing to the Rs 95,000 crore in aid currently being pumped into the agricultural sector by the state and central governments, Fadnavis outlined his administration’s shift toward an investment-driven agricultural model. He championed the success of schemes like ‘Jalyukt Shivar’ and ‘Magel Tyala Shettale’ (farm ponds on demand), claiming these initiatives have already empowered farmers to harvest multiple crops a year. Addressing the core issue of farming costs, he noted that the government already subsidises power to the tune of Rs 25,000 crore annually. By coupling this with a push for solar pumps and solar agricultural feeders, he promised that 100 percent of the state’s farmers would receive uninterrupted daytime electricity by the end of the year. Infra Dream Looking beyond immediate financial relief, the Chief Minister laid out a grandiose vision to permanently drought-proof Maharashtra’s most vulnerable regions. A staggering Rs 6 lakh crore infrastructure pipeline is being planned to ensure the next generation never witnesses a drought. Fadnavis detailed ambitious river-linking projects, including the Wainganga-Nalganga link, to divert excess floodwaters to parched regions. The state plans to construct 24 new dams and raise the height of 16 existing ones to ensure not a single district in Vidarbha faces water scarcity. Furthermore, massive engineering feats are on the drawing board to divert 200 TMC of floodwater from Western Maharashtra to Marathwada, and lift 275 TMC of wasted water from the Ulhas basin to quench the thirst of North Maharashtra and Marathwada. By marrying immediate, massive debt relief with long-term infrastructure promises, the Fadnavis administration is aggressively cementing its pro-farmer narrative. As the Yashwantrao Chavan auditorium echoed with whistles and cheers, it became highly evident that the government’s strategy of pairing mega populist waivers with big-ticket rural dreams is striking a powerful chord with the state’s agrarian voters.

Jaipur–Udaipur: Royal Rajasthan Unveiled

From majestic forts and sacred temples to shimmering lakes and heritage hotels, every corner tells a story of courage, devotion and timeless elegance.

Rajasthan, the Land of Kings, is a fascinating blend of grandeur, history, spirituality, and vibrant traditions. Among its many jewels, Jaipur and Udaipur stand out, offering travellers an extraordinary glimpse into India’s royal past and rich cultural heritage. These iconic cities attract millions of visitors from India and around the world with magnificent palaces, picturesque lakes, sacred temples, colourful festivals, and legendary hospitality.


Located in eastern Rajasthan, Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. One of India’s earliest planned cities, it was designed according to the principles of Vastu Shastra and traditional Indian architecture. The city is renowned for landmarks such as Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jaipur’s distinctive pink hue dates back to 1876, when the city was painted to welcome the Prince of Wales, and has since become a symbol of warmth and hospitality.


One of Jaipur’s most revered spiritual centres is the Govind Dev Ji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple occupies a special place in the hearts of devotees and comes alive during Janmashtami and Holi, when thousands gather for devotional singing and vibrant celebrations. It reflects the deep spiritual traditions and enduring faith that remain integral to Rajasthan’s cultural identity.


Situated amid the Aravalli Hills in southern Rajasthan, Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Mewar dynasty. Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is celebrated for its natural beauty and romantic charm. The City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola, the serene waters of Fateh Sagar Lake, Jag Mandir, and Saheliyon Ki Bari create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Udaipur has become synonymous with heritage, luxury, and royal splendour.


A short drive from Udaipur leads to the sacred Eklingji Temple, one of Rajasthan’s most important shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Originally built in the eighth century by Bappa Rawal, founder of the Mewar dynasty, the temple holds immense historical and religious significance. The rulers of Mewar regarded Lord Eklingji as the true ruler of their kingdom, considering themselves merely his custodians. Today, the temple remains a major centre of devotion, attracting thousands of pilgrims, especially during Maha Shivaratri.


The cultural heritage of Jaipur and Udaipur extends beyond their monuments and temples. Both cities have preserved their royal legacy by transforming centuries-old palaces and havelis into heritage hotels. In Jaipur, former royal residences and merchant mansions have been restored into elegant properties offering visitors a glimpse of Rajput nobility. Similarly, Udaipur’s lakefront palaces and historic havelis have been converted into luxurious heritage hotels where guests experience regal surroundings with modern comforts. Intricately carved balconies, grand courtyards, frescoed walls, traditional folk performances, and warm Rajasthani hospitality make every stay memorable.


The culture of Jaipur and Udaipur is vibrant and deeply rooted in tradition. Folk dances such as Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, melodious music, colourful attire, exquisite jewellery, miniature paintings, blue pottery, and handcrafted textiles showcase Rajasthan’s artistic brilliance. Festivals including Teej, Gangaur, Holi, Diwali, and the Mewar Festival fill the streets with processions, music, dance, and elaborate rituals that bring centuries-old traditions to life.


Both cities also serve as gateways to many of Rajasthan’s most popular destinations. Jaipur enjoys excellent connectivity with Delhi, Agra, Ajmer, Pushkar, and Ranthambore National Park, making it an ideal base for exploring northern India. Udaipur is conveniently connected to Nathdwara, Mount Abu, Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur, and Jodhpur, each offering its own historical, spiritual, and architectural treasures.


No journey through Rajasthan is complete without experiencing its celebrated cuisine. Dal Baati Churma remains the soul of Rajasthani gastronomy and is enjoyed in both cities. Jaipur is also famous for its crispy pyaaz kachori, rich laal maas, mawa kachori, and festive ghewar. In Udaipur, travellers can savour Gatte Ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri, Mirchi Bada, Malpua, and Rabdi, reflecting the distinctive flavours of Rajasthan’s desert cuisine.


The best time to visit Jaipur and Udaipur is between October and March, when the weather is cool and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This period also coincides with many of Rajasthan’s colourful festivals and cultural events, allowing visitors to experience the region at its most vibrant.


Jaipur and Udaipur are far more than tourist destinations. They are living embodiments of India’s royal heritage, where history, spirituality, art, architecture, and culture continue to thrive in harmony. From majestic forts and sacred temples to shimmering lakes and heritage hotels, every corner tells stories of courage, devotion, and timeless elegance. A journey through Jaipur and Udaipur is an immersive experience into the grandeur and soul of Rajasthan.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)

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