Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Fadnavis Urges Rahul Gandhi to Quit Congress for Comedy
Devendra Fadnavis made a joke about Rahul Gandhi and said he should become a comedian.
He said this after Rahul Gandhi was accused of mimicking Narendra Modi in Indore.
The report does not independently establish whether the alleged mimicry occurred.
Fadnavis also discussed a disagreement about UPI payment fees.
Petrol pumps in Mumbai have reportedly threatened to reject UPI payments above Rs 2,000 from October 15.
They want the revised Merchant Discount Rate to be withdrawn.
Fadnavis said the fee is small and applies only to certain transactions.
He said UPI helps businesses and makes payments more transparent.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged Rahul Gandhi to leave Congress and become a stand-up comedian.
Fadnavis made the remark after allegations that Rahul Gandhi mimicked Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Indore.
He criticized Mumbai petrol pumps’ reported threat to stop accepting UPI payments above Rs 2,000 from October 15.
Fadnavis said the revised Merchant Discount Rate applies only to specified transactions and involves a nominal fee.
He argued that UPI has expanded business, improved transaction transparency and helped reduce corruption.
- Who
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Rahul Gandhi, Mumbai petrol pump operators and other traders.
- What
- Fadnavis criticized Rahul Gandhi and defended a revised Merchant Discount Rate on specified UPI transactions.
- When
- Sunday, September 20; petrol pumps were reported to be considering restrictions from October 15.
- Where
- Fadnavis spoke in Nagpur; the alleged Rahul Gandhi incident occurred in Indore, and the UPI dispute involved petrol pumps in Mumbai.
- Why
- Fadnavis said Rahul Gandhi’s alleged mimicry warranted his criticism and argued that UPI fees help cover costs while supporting digital commerce.
Fadnavis and UPI Supporters
Petrol Pump Operators and Critics
UPI fees
Fadnavis and UPI Supporters
Fadnavis said the fee is nominal, applies only to specified transactions and is reasonable as a way to cover costs.
Petrol Pump Operators and Critics
Petrol pumps in Mumbai have allegedly threatened to stop accepting UPI payments above Rs 2,000 unless the revised Merchant Discount Rate is withdrawn.
Effect of UPI
Fadnavis and UPI Supporters
Fadnavis said UPI has expanded businesses, increased transaction transparency and reduced corruption.
Petrol Pump Operators and Critics
The reported payment threat indicates opposition among affected petrol pump operators and traders to paying the revised fee.
Rahul Gandhi’s conduct
Fadnavis and UPI Supporters
Fadnavis said Rahul Gandhi’s alleged mimicry of Narendra Modi was inappropriate and suggested he pursue comedy instead of politics.
Petrol Pump Operators and Critics
The report presents the claim that Rahul Gandhi mocked or mimicked Narendra Modi as an allegation, without providing a response from Rahul Gandhi or Congress.
- Speaker
- Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra Chief Minister
- Target of criticism
- Rahul Gandhi
- Alleged incident
- Rahul Gandhi was accused of mimicking Narendra Modi during the “Chhatron ki Gunj” programme in Indore.
- Reported payment restriction
- Mumbai petrol pumps allegedly threatened to stop accepting UPI payments above Rs 2,000 from October 15.
- Government position
- The Merchant Discount Rate applies only to specified transactions, not across the board.
- Fadnavis’s rationale
- He said UPI has expanded business, made transactions more transparent and helped reduce corruption.
