Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday mounted a sharp counterattack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of pursuing “only one agenda — spreading anarchy”. He defended Centre’s examination reforms, the state’s crop insurance overhaul and Mahayuti govt’s handling of Maratha community demands.Responding to Gandhi’s criticism of Centre and newly appointed Union education minister Pralhad Joshi, CM dismissed the remarks as politically motivated.Speaking to media on the sidelines of an event in Nagpur, Fadnavis said, “People of India know who Gandhi is. They also know the work done by PM Narendra Modi-led govt and Joshi. Whenever the Leader of the Opposition speaks, he only makes allegations. What positive solution has he offered for the youth?” CM said.Referring to concerns over examination irregularities, Fadnavis said Union govt was developing “a secure examination system” to prevent such incidents in future.CM reiterated that he has instructed Home Department and director general of police to withdraw criminal cases registered against most protesters during the CJP agitation.On crop insurance, CM said the decline of nearly 10 lakh farmers in this year’s enrolment followed reforms introduced after widespread irregularities under the earlier Re 1 crop insurance scheme. “We introduced reforms, and farmers now have to pay their share. That is why the numbers are slightly lower,” he said.On farm loan waiver, Fadnavis said inflated loan amounts reflected interest charged on non-performing asset (NPA) accounts. He said banks had agreed to waive both NPA interest and interest accrued during the waiver period. “For accounts up to ₹2 lakh, we will pay the full amount. Farmers need not worry if larger loan figures appear in their accounts,” he said.Replying to fresh protests announced by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, Fadnavis maintained that delays in issuing caste certificates were negligible. “Those who applied have received them,” he said.He also claimed that Mahayuti govt had implemented more measures for the Maratha community than any previous administration. “Remaining grievances could be resolved through dialogue,” he said.BOX: Fake pamphlets of Maoists circulated for ‘vested interests’On reports of distribution of fake Maoists pamphlets in Gadchiroli, Fadnavis said an investigation found that certain individuals had circulated them for “self-interest and vested interests”. “They have been arrested,” he said.
