Congress reads Fadnavis’s 2029 claim as warning to Shinde

The Congress party has interpreted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s recent statement that he will remain in office till 2029, as a calculated message aimed at Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and the BJP’s central leadership. 

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant on Thursday (October 23, 2025) said that Mr. Fadnavis’s comment, made in response to a question about his national political ambitions, was not just a personal declaration but a strategic move to reinforce his hold on the Chief Minister’s post. 

“He cannot speak to Shinde Saheb directly, so he’s communicating indirectly. It’s also a message to BJP leaders in Delhi who are watching developments closely,” Mr. Sawant said. 

Mr. Fadnavis also ruled out any changes in the alliance, saying there would be “no new partners or swapping of partners.” Mr. Sawant alleged that efforts are underway to replace Mr. Fadnavis, citing frequent visits to Delhi by certain leaders. “This adds to the fear. So, Mr. Fadnavis is trying to assert that he won’t step down,” he said. 

On the Samajwadi Party’s announcement to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently, Mr. Sawant said Congress’s strategy would be decided by the high command in consultation with local leaders. He added that the party is aiming for the Mayor’s post in Mumbai. 

He further criticised the Centre and the State government for failing to raise the minimum support price (MSP) for soybeans to ₹6,000 per quintal, a demand Mr. Fadnavis himself had championed in 2013 while in opposition. 

“The Centre has announced an MSP of ₹5,328 per quintal this year, far below the promised figure. It’s been 12 years since the farmers’ march and 11 years of the Modi government. Fadnavis Saheb must answer when the ₹6,000 MSP will be realised,” he said. 

He alleged that farmers are selling soybeans at around ₹3,500 per quintal in the open market, incurring losses of ₹1,800 to ₹2,000 per quintal. “MSP procurement centres haven’t started functioning yet. There’s a deliberate delay,” he said, criticising the administrative changes in procurement, saying that involving multiple agencies has created confusion. “Earlier, the Maharashtra State Cooperative Marketing Federation had sole authority. Now, another agency has been added, which will slow things down,” he said. 

He added that excessive rainfall has damaged mung and urad crops, and soybean production has dropped sharply. “Despite promises of Diwali relief, farmers spent the festival in darkness. Procurement should have started a month ago. BJP is always prioritising elections over farmers welfare. They don’t even see farmers as people anymore,” he said.