CM Devendra Fadnavis in his customary press conference on the last day of the winter session of Maharashtra Legislature 2016, at Nagpur Vidhan Bhavan, termed the session a success (for the government). Fadnavis informed the media that out of 27 bills, 23 bills have been passed. While three bills are pending in the assembly, one is pending in the council.

Talking about the achievements of his government, the CM said, We have facilitated ease of business in Vidarbha and have the road-map for the progress of the region. We have ensured the smooth functioning of the Gram Raksha Dals, led by Anna Hazare. Also, we amicably and fruitfully discussed issues of the Maratha reservation and demonetisation in the assembly. The common man trusts the Central government and we will live up to the people’s expectations.”

The CM also declared that PM Modi would be laying the foundation stone for the world’s largest Chhatrapati Shivaji Memorial project in Arabian Sea on December 24, 2016, in Mumbai. Also, approx. 2300 crores would be spent on its first phase. On the same day, PM Modi would also be present for the stone laying ceremony for the Metro Rail project in Mumbai and Pune. Fadnavis also told the media persons that the main focus of the assembly this year was the welfare of the Vidarbha farmers.

When a question was raised about the opposition accusing the BJP with just selling ?big dreams and false promises, Fadnavis was quick to quip, Other than falsely accusing the BJP government, the opposition is left with no other work! The Central government has been tirelessly working ever since it came to power. We strictly believe in statistics; we have all the statistical details of the work done by our government. We aren’t talking about the agenda we have to fulfil; instead, we are talking about the work we have successfully done so far. Launching a direct attack on the previous governments, he said that the BJP government has superseded the former governments work.

When Nation Next sought Fadnavis’ response on the huge ‘question mark’ that the opposition put on the prospects of the Nagpur-Mumbai Communication Super Expressway, better known as Samruddhi Mahamarg, he gave an assurance that this project would spell a complete transformation and revolution for Vidarbha farmers. We are getting a huge support from Vidarbha farmers for the project. Despite the opposition from MLAs in Amravati, almost 30% farmers have shown their support. We want to take it to 50%. No matter what, this expressway has to materialise. Once the opposition gets a clarity about this ambitious project, I’m sure they?ll too support us, added Fadnavis.

Speaking on the irrigation backlog, Fadnavis assured the media persons that the ?identified backlog would be cleared by the year 2018- 2019. When asked about Uddhav Thackeray’s accusation that the BJP had been simply lying since the time it came to power, Fadnavis responded by saying that he himself wasn’t aware of the so-called allegations.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Girish Bapat, Nagpur MLA Sudhakar Deshmukh, Dr Anil Bonde, Nagpur MLA Dr Milind Mane, Agriculture Minister Pandurang Phundkar, Tourism Minister Jaykumar Rawal, and D Mallikarjun Reddy were also present at the press conference, along with CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Read what Devendra Fadnavis has to say about Maratha Reservation!