Mumbai: After taking oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis addressed his first press conference, sharing his vision and plans for the state’s development. He began by acknowledging the vital role of the media, calling journalists “an important pillar of democracy.”
Fadnavis said that in the past two and a half years, Maharashtra had gained momentum, and he is committed to maintaining that speed of progress. “This momentum will continue, and Maharashtra will move forward towards progress with this same pace,” he said. He assured the public that while the roles of the leadership may have changed, the direction, speed, and coordination will remain the same.
Devendra Fadnavis highlights plans for Maharashtra
The new Chief Minister highlighted the numerous plans that his government has initiated and assured that these projects would continue. “We have initiated various plans, and it is essential to keep these plans moving forward,” he added. Fadnavis also reiterated the promises made in the election manifesto, saying that his government would take necessary steps to fulfill those commitments.
Fadnavis mentioned that in his first cabinet meeting, he emphasized the need to accelerate their work. He likened his partnership with Eknath Shinde to a “50-50 over match,” but with the arrival of Ajit Pawar, the situation turned into a “20-20 over match,” highlighting the urgency and pace at which they intend to work. “Whatever promises we made to the people, we will try to fulfill them,” he said.
#WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "I don't believe that there is any such delay (in forming the goverment). Even before this, in 2004, there was a delay of about 12-13 days. In 2009, there was a delay of about 9 days. We will have to understand that when… pic.twitter.com/S9w5vmSzcO
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2024
In a statement aimed at the people of Maharashtra, Fadnavis said, “I want to assure the 14 crore people of Maharashtra that we will work with complete transparency.” He added that the government will not engage in “politics of revenge,” but instead focus on “politics of change.”
Fadnavis also addressed the ongoing issues, such as the promises made to the women of the state under the “Ladli Bahen” scheme. “The promise of providing 2100 rupees to Ladli Bahen will be fulfilled,” he said. He acknowledged some complaints about the implementation of the scheme and assured that steps would be taken to resolve them.
What Fadnavis said on selection of new speaker
The Chief Minister also discussed the selection of the new speaker of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, saying, “We have submitted a letter to the Governor requesting the selection of the speaker on December 9, during the upcoming session in Mumbai.” Additionally, he mentioned that the cabinet expansion will be completed before the Nagpur session, and the portfolios have largely been finalized with only slight changes from the previous government.
The special session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly will take place from December 7 to 9, with the Speaker’s election scheduled for the 9th. Fadnavis also noted the importance of addressing the state’s fiscal deficit, particularly given the ambitious schemes the government has announced. “It is necessary to focus on the fiscal deficit because we have announced many ambitious schemes, and it is our responsibility to complete them,” he said.
Fadnavis recognized the immense pressure that comes with the mandate from the people. “The kind of mandate we received, the love and support of the public, is something I feel every day,” he said. He acknowledged the heightened expectations and stressed that the government would work tirelessly to meet them.
What Fadnavis said on allocation of portfolios
Regarding the development of the state, Fadnavis mentioned that the Shaktipeeth Mahamarg project would change the landscape of the Marathwada region. As for the cabinet formation, he assured that final decisions were nearly made. “We will make decisions together,” he said, adding that an evaluation of the work done by the previous ministers is currently underway.
When questioned about the distribution of portfolios, Fadnavis said that discussions are in the final stages. “Until the decision is finalized, I will not comment further,” he said, adding that evaluations of the work of former ministers are taking place. The government is committed to ensuring that the right people are in the right roles.
