
"Only one who stands firm during adversity is a real leader": Maharashtra CM Fadnavis lauds Pune MP Mohol
'Only the one who stands firm during adversity is a real leader,' Fadnavis said while speaking at the launch of MP Mohol's 24/7 Public Outreach Office and the release of his one-year performance report and book Pratham Manus, based on his COVID-era experiences. The event was held at Balgandharva Rangmandir in Pune on Saturday.
Fadnavis praised the BJP for giving chances to dedicated party workers, saying Mohol had shown consistent commitment in both political and administrative roles. He also spoke about Mohol's efforts during the COVID-19 crisis as the Mayor of Pune.
'He remained calm and persistent throughout the crisis, which created his distinct identity,' said Fadnavis.
The newly inaugurated 24/7 Public Office is located at JM Road in Pune. Fadnavis said that very few MPs in the country have a public outreach office that is open all day, every day. He also mentioned that Mohol was unanimously chosen to succeed the late Girish Bapat and is now working closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
'After becoming MP, he was entrusted with a significant portfolio and now works closely with PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah,' he said. 'Amit Shah personally praised Mohol as a disciplined and studious leader with a bright future.'
Fadnavis also announced that 12 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from Maharashtra have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. 'These forts reflect exceptional architectural style and rich Maratha history. Now, they will gain global academic and tourism attention,' he said.
He further gave updates on key infrastructure projects, including the 'missing link' on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. Once complete, it will reduce travel time by 30 minutes and feature a 9-km tunnel--the longest in India--and the tallest cable-stayed bridge in the country. He added that the second international airport for Pune is progressing well, while the Navi Mumbai airport is nearing completion.
Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol thanked citizens and party leaders for their support. Presenting his one-year report, he said, 'The people of Pune gave me an opportunity, and I have tried to deliver honestly.'
Speaking about the pandemic, Mohol said he remained connected with the public through social media for 28 months. His book Pratham Manus (First Person) captures both positive and difficult moments from that period. 'Rambhau Mhalgi once set an example by presenting a work report to the people, and I've followed the same tradition,' he added.
Mohol said the new public office would serve as a 'one-stop solution' to help citizens access various government schemes. 'When I became a minister, it was hard to believe at first. But with the party's and my colleagues' trust, I've worked with full responsibility,' he said.
Recounting his first meeting with PM Modi after taking oath, Mohol shared how the Prime Minister asked detailed questions about their ministries' responsibilities and was well-aware of incidents like the recent Delhi airport roof collapse.
'This reflects the intense vigilance and commitment of the central leadership,' Mohol said.
He affirmed his dedication to fulfilling the responsibilities of the Cooperation Ministry under the guidance of Home Minister Amit Shah. (ANI)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Indian Express
8 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Uddhav and Aaditya meet Fadnavis, Worli MLA calls it ‘friendly exchange'
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray met on Thursday on the premises of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. The Sena UBT chief and his son and MLA Aaditya Thackeray attended the 20-minute meeting, held in the chamber of Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde. The meeting comes a day after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis offered former ally and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray to join the Mahayuti. 'Uddhavji, now we don't have to do anything till 2029. We have no scope left to come there (to opposition benches). But you have the scope to come here (to treasury benches). We can think about it differently. We will talk differently,' Fadnavis had said in the legislative council on Wednesday. The meeting took place after a delegation of Shiv Sena (UBT) legislators held a meeting with legislative council chairman Ram Shinde and Fadnavis. The delegation reminded the government about its pending demand of appointment of Leader of Opposition in the legislative Assembly. Following this, Thackeray gifted a book titled 'Hindichi Sakti Havich Kashala (What is the need of making Hindi mandatory?)' to Fadnavis and Shinde. 'We presented him a collection of articles from apolitical individuals opposing imposition of Hindi. We are opposing the imposition of Hindi from the first standard,' said Aaditya Thackeray after the meeting. When asked about the consecutive exchanges between Thackeray and Fadnavis, the MLA from Worli constituency said that 'friendly exchanges' routinely happen in the legislature.


News18
10 minutes ago
- News18
Delhi To Get Rs 600 Crore As Special Financial Assistance From Centre
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, securing ₹600 crore under SASCI scheme for capital investment, supporting infrastructure and employment. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, securing a ₹600 crore commitment under the Centre's Special Assistance to States/UTs for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. The funds are expected by the end of this month. The SASCI scheme was launched in 2020–21 in response to the economic revival required after the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to provide interest-free loans for 50 years to States and Union Territories to support capital expenditure. The scheme promotes infrastructure development, employment generation, and sustainable growth. It enables states to become active partners in the nation's overall development by equipping them with financial resources, reforms, and capital capabilities. In a statement issued after the meeting, Gupta's office said the finance minister was briefed about Delhi's ongoing development journey, current progress of various schemes, and future requirements. Sitharaman assured full and continued support from the Central Government towards the development of Delhi. '… the Union Finance Minister shared details about the SASCI scheme. Under this scheme, the Delhi Government will receive ₹600 crore in special financial assistance by the end of this month," the statement reads. Gupta said a proposal for the allocation will soon be sent to the Ministry of Finance, adding that the funds will be used to accelerate development projects across the city, including traffic management, drainage, green energy, and waste management initiatives. 'Delhi is not just the capital of the country, but also the cultural, administrative, and economic hub of India. Its planned development and good governance should serve as a model for all," the CM said. Gupta stated that the people of Delhi are witnessing the direct benefits of the collaborative efforts between the Central and State Governments. In February, the BJP finally came to power in Delhi after almost three decades out of power in the city. With the political alignment at centre and state level, the flow of development has improved, the government says. This meeting with Sitharaman comes weeks after Gupta met Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari to seek the Centre's help for Delhi's development. view comments First Published: July 17, 2025, 20:31 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


News18
28 minutes ago
- News18
Military ‘Modernisation' Drive Is Disastrous For Pakistan's Economy & Polity
Last Updated: The Pakistan Army's recent procurement ambitions underscore the militarised perspective through which national priorities are frequently shaped Amidst deteriorating economic conditions, the Pakistan Army is embarking on an assertive and ambitious course of military modernisation, channelling significant resources into advanced weaponry despite pervasive poverty, escalating inflation, and crumbling public infrastructure. This determined enhancement of military capability—highlighted by the prospective acquisition of China's HQ-19 air defence system, the untested and unproven Shenyang J-35s (derived from the Shenyang FC-31 'Gyrfalcon"), and KJ-2000 aircraft—aims to counter India's conventional military superiority, but has sparked serious apprehensions both domestically and internationally. While this build-up is officially framed as a strategic necessity in response to regional threats, critics increasingly interpret it as a disquieting sign of the military establishment's growing dominance over Pakistan's political and economic landscape. With civilian institutions collapsing under the strain of chronic underfunding and disregard, a critical question arises: is this arms buildup genuinely about safeguarding national security, or is it fundamentally about consolidating power? The HQ-19, an advanced anti-ballistic missile system, represents more than just a military upgrade—it reflects Pakistan's increasing prioritisation of militarisation, a trajectory that appears increasingly misaligned with its economic circumstances. Pakistan's external debt has exceeded $130 billion, and its foreign exchange reserves remain critically low. The nation has been compelled to depend on financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Gulf nations, and China, often subject to stringent austerity measures. These economic pressures have resulted in substantial reductions in public services, leading to a pronounced deterioration in the quality of education, healthcare, and essential infrastructure. The disparity is striking: while children in rural Sindh attend schools without furniture or textbooks and hospitals in Balochistan lack vital medicines, the government continues to allocate billions towards radar systems, drones, and missile defence technology. According to the World Bank's latest estimate, nearly 45 per cent of Pakistan's population lives in poverty, with an additional 16.5 per cent enduring extreme poverty. In sharp contrast, India—the regional rival Pakistan seeks to match—has lifted a record number of people out of poverty. Within the past year alone, 1.9 million more individuals in Pakistan have slipped below the poverty line. This trend towards militarisation has not escaped scrutiny. Public discourse—particularly among independent journalists and policy analysts—is increasingly centred on the imbalance between military expenditure and investment in social development. Critics contend that these acquisitions are less about safeguarding national borders and more about preserving the military's institutional dominance. Historically, the Pakistan Army has wielded considerable autonomy and influence, frequently operating outside the bounds of civilian control. Its presence extends into major economic sectors—including construction, agriculture, and real estate—largely via military-operated conglomerates such as the Fauji Foundation and the Army Welfare Trust. This deep-rooted economic involvement has fostered a system in which the distinction between national interest and military interest is progressively obscured. Pakistan has, in effect, become a garrison state—one in which military imperatives dominate the allocation of economic resources. The repercussions of this imbalance are acutely experienced by ordinary Pakistanis. Inflation—fuelled by currency depreciation and rising global costs—has rendered basic goods unaffordable for millions. Unemployment continues to climb, particularly among the youth, while the informal labour sector—already fragile—has expanded further due to the decline in formal employment opportunities. Simultaneously, power outages remain commonplace, water scarcity persists across numerous regions, and urban infrastructure—from roadways to drainage systems—is deteriorating under increasing strain. Within this setting, announcements of fresh military procurements are frequently met with a mix of disbelief, resentment, and growing public discontent. The government's rationale centres on national security and maintaining regional equilibrium. With India continually advancing its military capabilities and longstanding tensions over Kashmir persisting, Pakistani defence officials maintain that remaining technologically competitive is imperative. The HQ-19 system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes, is portrayed as a strategic counter to India's expanding missile defence infrastructure. However, this narrative avoids addressing a deeper concern: at what cost? While achieving regional parity is a legitimate objective, is it more urgent than feeding children, providing medical care, and educating future generations? Similar doubts emerge regarding the anticipated acquisition of J-35 fighter jets by the Pakistan Air Force. The ongoing maintenance costs of such advanced aircraft could significantly strain Pakistan's annual budget. Critics argue that this fixation on military rivalry ignores the fundamental pillars of national security—economic resilience, social welfare, and human capital development. Furthermore, the secrecy and lack of transparency surrounding these procurements have heightened anxieties over accountability. In contrast to defence budgets in many democratic states—where military expenditure undergoes parliamentary oversight and public discussion—Pakistan's defence spending remains predominantly exempt from such scrutiny. Civilian administrations frequently possess minimal influence over these decisions, resulting in a democratic shortfall that weakens institutional checks and balances. The military's disproportionately large claim on national resources is not merely a fiscal concern—it signifies a more profound structural issue regarding the distribution of power within Pakistan. The strategic alliance with China introduces an added layer of complexity. China has emerged as Pakistan's principal supplier of military hardware, and while the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) holds theoretical promise, it has yet to deliver widespread economic transformation. Instead, there is growing apprehension over rising debt dependency and the minimal involvement of local stakeholders in these large-scale initiatives. The provision of the HQ-19 system, therefore, may extend beyond defence purposes—it could serve as a tool for strengthening geopolitical alignment and advancing debt diplomacy. While the military leadership may perceive this as a strategic gain, the long-term consequences for national sovereignty and economic autonomy are considerably less encouraging. Simultaneously, the J-35's elevated costs and demanding maintenance requirements risk further burdening Pakistan's already fragile financial position, especially as it endeavours to modernise its air force. Moreover, China's decision to export the J-35 before its integration into the People's Liberation Army Air Force introduces considerable strategic uncertainty. Another deeply concerning aspect is the impact of militarisation on democratic governance. When the military assumes control over key areas of national policy, civilian authorities are frequently reduced to symbolic roles. This dynamic undermines democratic institutions, erodes policymaking competence, and cultivates a culture of impunity. The pattern becomes self-perpetuating: as military dominance increases, civilian institutions become progressively less capable of exercising oversight, while public perception shifts to viewing the military as the sole effective institution within a deteriorating state. This sentiment further weakens confidence in democratic mechanisms and complicates efforts to promote alternative national priorities. The social cost is immense. Public health metrics continue to worsen, with malnutrition, maternal mortality, and preventable illnesses remaining widespread. The education sector, particularly in rural regions, suffers from chronic underfunding, staffing shortages, and systemic dysfunction. Literacy rates show little improvement, and Pakistan performs poorly on international human development rankings. Within this context, the imagery of cutting-edge missile defence systems appears especially incongruous. What message is conveyed to citizens when their government places a higher premium on armaments than on essential public welfare? There is also a significant risk of heightened regional instability. Arms races, by their very nature, tend to escalate the probability of conflict rather than prevent it. As India and Pakistan simultaneously expand their defence capabilities, opportunities for diplomacy and mutual confidence-building diminish. The deployment of technologies such as the HQ-19 and J-35 fighter jets could trigger reciprocal measures by India, fuelling a perilous cycle of provocation and response. At a time when South Asia confronts shared challenges—ranging from climate change and water scarcity to terrorism—the diversion of vital resources into military build-ups undermines the region's collective capacity to address these pressing threats. Voices from civil society are increasingly urging a realignment of national priorities. Economists, educationists, and public health experts argue that genuine security is rooted in human development. A population that is well-educated, healthy, and economically empowered is considerably more resilient against external threats than any missile defence system. Moreover, reallocating resources towards social sectors could foster inclusive economic growth, alleviate inequality, and strengthen social cohesion—outcomes that are essential for achieving sustainable peace. The way ahead demands political will and comprehensive institutional reform. Civilian authorities must reassert control over policymaking and insist on greater transparency in defence expenditure. Parliamentary scrutiny must be reinforced, and budgetary priorities should align with the genuine needs of the populace. International stakeholders also share responsibility. Donor nations and financial institutions should refrain from facilitating unregulated military spending through aid or loans that do not impose conditions promoting investment in social development. The Pakistan Army's recent procurement ambitions—exemplified by the prospective acquisition of the HQ-19 missile system and J-35 fighter jets—underscore the militarised perspective through which national priorities are frequently shaped. While strategic defence undeniably holds significance, it must not come at the cost of essential human development. In a nation where millions lack access to clean water, quality education, and adequate healthcare, investing in advanced weaponry cannot be seen as a comprehensive solution to security challenges. top videos View all The true measure of a nation's strength lies not in its arsenal, but in the well-being of its citizens. Ultimately, the arms race may not only fail to enhance Pakistan's security—it risks deepening internal vulnerabilities and widening the disconnect between the state and its people. Can Pakistan continue to sustain this pattern of militarisation in South Asia? India, the world's fourth-largest economy, reserves the right to respond with acquisitions of its own. The short-term 'advantages" sought by Pakistan's militarised leadership will prove unsustainable if the state persists in acting like a revisionist power under the mistaken belief that it can contend with a nation of India's scale. The writer is an author and a columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 24, 2025, 15:27 IST News opinion Global Watch | Military 'Modernisation' Drive Is Disastrous For Pakistan's Economy & Polity Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.