Maharashtra CM Fadnavis tells Rahul Gandhi to quit Congress and try stand-up comedy
Devendra Fadnavis mocked Rahul Gandhi over his mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an Indore event. He also defended the limited MDR on specified UPI transactions, saying digital payments boost trade and transparency.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying he should quit the party and become a stand-up comedian. He made the remark when asked about allegations that Rahul Gandhi mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 'Chhatron ki Gunj' programme in Indore a day earlier.
Fadnavis also spoke about concerns over fees on certain UPI transactions, saying an attempt was being made to build a narrative around the issue. Referring to reports that petrol pumps in Mumbai may stop accepting UPI payments above Rs 2,000 from October 15 if the revised Merchant Discount Rate is not rolled back, he said such a stand was inappropriate.
"The way Rahul Gandhi is doing mimicry, I feel he should quit the party and become a stand-up comedian," Fadnavis said. He added that since the Congress had become "unemployed" because of Rahul, he would at least get some work if he chose to be a comic performer.
On the UPI issue, Fadnavis said petrol pump owners should not take such a position because UPI had helped expand their business. "Their transactions have become transparent, and people are also using UPI widely. A very nominal fee has been imposed," he said.
Fadnavis said a Parliamentary committee that recommended the imposition of MDR included former finance minister P Chidambaram and three other senior Congress leaders. "The government has clarified that the fee is not across the board, and rather it applies only to specified transactions. But an attempt is being made to build a narrative.
"I feel that everyone should understand the role played by UPI and digital transactions in boosting trade and reducing corruption. The move to impose a very nominal amount to cover costs is reasonable, and petrol pump owners and traders should not oppose paying it," he added.
In sum, Fadnavis criticised Rahul Gandhi over the Indore event and defended the limited fee on specified UPI transactions, saying digital payments have supported trade and improved transparency.