Fadnavis mocks critics of Samruddhi Expressway, cites tortoise as inspiration

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has recounted a key episode from his political career involving the Samruddhi Expressway. He claimed that when the decision to build the expressway was taken, Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray had opposed the project. He also noted that at that time, Uddhav Thackeray was himself part of the Mahayuti alliance.

Taking a dig at his critics, Fadnavis said, "My pace is not that of a tortoise, but my inspiration is the tortoise." His remark has triggered widespread discussion in political circles.

Fadnavis said that when the Mahayuti government is determined to complete a task wholeheartedly, it also gets the support of allied parties. He said that after the decision on the Samruddhi Expressway was taken, he stayed focused on his goal, and the land acquisition required for the project was completed within just one year.

Fadnavis also claimed that those who initially opposed the project are now praising the Samruddhi Expressway. He stressed that no matter how much criticism or opposition there is, work should not be stopped midway.

Responding lightly to those who question his working style, Fadnavis repeated, "My pace is not that of a tortoise, but my inspiration is the tortoise." Explaining this, he said that when he faces criticism or attacks, he withdraws into his shell like a tortoise, meaning that instead of responding to every criticism, he prefers to ignore it and continue his work.

Fadnavis said he has often experienced in politics that a project faces opposition at first and is later praised. He said that no matter how much criticism comes his way, he remains committed to staying on course without being distracted from his goal.

Fadnavis's remarks have once again brought into focus the decision to build the Samruddhi Expressway, the political opposition it faced at the time, and his own working style.