'Generous foe is better than a selfish friend', says Devendra Fadnavis

In a veiled attack on Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on 24 October said a "Generous foe is better than a selfish friend."

Fadnavis also took the occasion to praise Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar for his contribution to the state despite being in the Opposition.

"A Generous foe is better than a mean friend. Sharad Pawar is our generous opponent. There are only few leaders in Indian politics that go beyond the realm of politics and forge a friendship. During issues concerning the welfare of the state, I have personally discussed issues with Sharad Pawar many times and he has always suggested me remedial measures," the Chief Minister said while addressing an all party gathering in Amravati, and appreciated the NCP chief for his contribution to the Parliament for over five decades.

The Chief Minister also said that his comments should not be misconstrued.

"Sharad Pawar looks beyond politics and parties. Every state should have one such leader," he added.

He further said, "Though loan waiving is not the only solution to help farmers, but the decision of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government to waive farmers loans was necessary."

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar also praised the Chief Minister for assuring the farmers for the strictest action against those responsible for Yavatmal district tragedy, which claimed lives of 18 farmers over the past three months owing to an alleged exposure to a toxic pesticide.

On 19 October, the Maharashtra government released Rs 4,000 crores under the first phase of the farm loan waiver scheme. It is expected to benefit more than eight lakh farmers of the state.

Chief Minister Fadnavis announced that the remaining Rs. 800 crore of the schemes will be in the form of incentives for 3.78 lakh farmers, who are paying back their loans on time. 

-ANI