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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.

Odisha: Heritage by the Sea

Once the land of Kalinga, Odisha continues to captivate visitors with its history, sacred sites, artistic traditions and natural beauty.

Nestled along India’s eastern coast beside the Bay of Bengal, Odisha is a destination where history, spirituality, art, architecture, nature and culture blend seamlessly. Let’s continue our Odisha journey in Part 2 of this article.

 

Once known as the ancient land of Kalinga, Odisha preserves a legacy spanning more than two millennia while embracing modern development. Rich in heritage yet refreshingly authentic, it offers visitors an immersive journey through some of India’s most captivating landscapes and cultural treasures.

 

The story of Odisha is closely linked to the ancient kingdom of Kalinga, which gained global significance through the Kalinga War of 261 BCE. Deeply moved by the immense suffering caused by the conflict, Emperor Ashoka renounced warfare and embraced Buddhism, spreading its message of peace across Asia. This transformation remains one of Odisha’s most enduring contributions to world civilisation.


Over the centuries, dynasties such as the Somavamshis, Eastern Gangas and Gajapatis enriched the region with magnificent temples, monuments and artistic traditions. Today, Odisha is celebrated as the “Land of Temples”, renowned for the distinctive Kalinga style of architecture characterised by soaring spires and intricate carvings.


Among its most revered landmarks is the Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of Hinduism’s four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, it is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and famed for its wooden deities representing Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Every year, the spectacular Rath Yatra draws millions of devotees to witness the deities carried on magnificent chariots through the streets of Puri.


Equally iconic is the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest achievements of mediaeval Indian architecture. Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I, it was designed as a colossal stone chariot of Surya, the Sun God, with intricately carved wheels, horses and sculptural panels.


The capital, Bhubaneswar, further showcases Odisha’s architectural heritage through the majestic Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswar Temple and Rajarani Temple, all outstanding examples of Kalinga craftsmanship.


Beyond its monuments, Odisha captivates with diverse natural landscapes. Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish-water lagoon, attracts thousands of migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia and Europe during winter. Nearby Satapada offers opportunities to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphin.


The coastline is equally enchanting. The golden sands of Puri Beach and the tranquil shores of Chandrabhaga provide spectacular sunrises over the Bay of Bengal while attracting pilgrims and leisure travellers alike.


Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Odisha’s rich biodiversity. Similipal National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, shelters dense forests, waterfalls, elephants, leopards and Bengal tigers. Bhitarkanika National Park is known for its mangrove ecosystem, saltwater crocodiles, king cobras and abundant birdlife. Along the coast, the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary hosts one of the world’s largest nesting grounds for endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles.


The cultural richness of Odisha extends beyond its monuments and landscapes. The state is renowned for Odissi, one of India’s classical dance forms, as well as traditional crafts such as Pattachitra painting, silver filigree work, stone carving, appliqué art and handloom weaving.


Festivals bring this vibrant culture to life. While Rath Yatra remains the most celebrated, Raja Parba, Boita Bandana, Chandan Yatra and the Konark Dance Festival showcase Odisha’s maritime history, artistic excellence and community traditions.


Equally memorable is the warmth of the Odia people and their cuisine. Traditional dishes such as Dalma, Pakhala Bhata, Chhena Poda and fresh seafood reflect a philosophy of balance and harmony with nature. The sacred Mahaprasad served at the Jagannath Temple remains a cherished culinary and spiritual experience.


In recent years, Odisha has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. Improved infrastructure, eco-tourism initiatives, heritage conservation projects and international cultural events have broadened its appeal while preserving its unique identity. October to March is the best time to explore the state.


Odisha is more than a destination—it is an experience that touches the soul. Whether standing before the stone chariot of Konark, witnessing the devotion of Puri, cruising across Chilika Lake or exploring the wilderness of Similipal, visitors encounter a land where history, culture, spirituality and nature coexist in timeless harmony.


For travellers wishing to discover this remarkable state, Global Voyages, Pune, has been curating customised holidays and escorted group tours for over two decades. With carefully planned itineraries, quality accommodation, experienced local guides and personalised service, every journey through Odisha becomes seamless, enriching and unforgettable.

 

For travellers wishing to discover the many dimensions of this remarkable state, Global Voyages, Pune, has been curating customised holidays and escorted group tours for over two decades. With carefully planned itineraries, quality accommodation, experienced local guides and personalised service, Global Voyages ensures every journey through Odisha is seamless, enriching and unforgettable.


Whether travelling independently or through an organised tour, visitors will find Odisha rewarding for its blend of history, spirituality, nature and living traditions. Careful planning allows travellers to experience the state’s many highlights at a relaxed pace.


(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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