What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
In a controversial remark made earlier, Ravi Rana had stated that if people don’t vote for the BJP and its allies, the money given under the Ladki Bahin Yojana might be taken back. Addressing the controversy surrounding his comment, Rana clarified, “Nobody can take back what has already been given. What I meant to say was that if they don’t vote for the BJP, then Congress will return to power, and the ₹1,500 scheme might be withdrawn.”
AMRAVATI, MAHARASHTRA: Badnera’s three-time independent MLA, Ravi Rane, now contesting under the Mahayuti Alliance, speaks with The New Indian about his controversial remarks on the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojna,’ farmer suicides, and his wife Navneet Rana’s recent defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In a controversial remark made earlier, Ravi Rana had stated that if people don’t vote for the BJP and its allies, the money given under the Ladki Bahin Yojana might be taken back. Addressing the controversy surrounding his comment, Rana clarified, “Nobody can take back what has already been given. What I meant to say was that if they don’t vote for the BJP, then Congress will return to power, and the ₹1,500 scheme might be withdrawn.”
According to a state government report covering data from January to June, a total of 1,267 farmers committed suicide in Maharashtra during the first six months of this year, with the Amravati division in the state’s Vidarbha region accounting for 557 deaths.
Speaking on the issue of farmers’ suicides in an exclusive interview with Khushboo, Ravi Rana, the leader of the Yuva Swabhiman Party, said, “I have been fighting for farmers for many years… I have even gone to jail for farmers. I believe no matter which government is in power, the central government’s policies have ensured that farmers are receiving much-needed justice.”
Excerpt from the interview
Khushboo: What are your roadmaps, what are your plans for this election?
Ravi Rana: I have led my own independent party, the Yuva Swabhiman Party, for 15 years. A large number of youth work with me for the benefit of farmers and job creation.
They focus on generating employment opportunities and transforming the face of Amravati. When I became an MLA for the first time, I prioritized the development of rural areas.
I worked on improving infrastructure, including roads in villages and agrarian fields, and established government offices in every village. For instance, Bhadkuli Taluk had been awaiting a Tehsil for 40 years, with the department based in Amravati. Villagers had to travel 30 km to access services, which created significant challenges.
Ravi Rana: There is no specific strategy. I worked for the public sector for five years. I stand with the people at all times.
I support them in both good and bad times. I focus on development in my constituency. If there is any issue in the district, I am always there for them.
The candidates standing against me are only active during elections. The work I have done over the past five years has reached the people, and they have experienced it.
The people are happy, and that is enough for me.
Khushboo: Earlier, we visited Nagpur and saw a lot of development there. However, when we came here, we noticed the absence of UPI facilities.
PM Modi promotes Digital Bharat and digital payments, but this area doesn’t seem as developed. People have said that development is mostly focused on Nagpur because Mr Fadnavis and Gadkari are from there. Do you think Amravati deserves more attention?
Ravi Rana: Nagpur is a major city and the winter capital of Maharashtra. Development in Nagpur has been a focus from the very beginning. Amravati, on the other hand, is the second-largest city and serves as the divisional headquarters. An airport will be operational here in two months. Significant textile-related work has started, and a railway factory has been established in the region.
You must have seen the roads and bridges; development in this area is progressing rapidly. Nagpur, however, has always been a different city in terms of its development trajectory.
Amravati has seen progress since Navneet Rana became the MP. Former President Pratibhatai Patil, who is from this region, also supported Amravati’s growth.
Amravati is developing well and will continue to grow significantly in the future.
Khushboo: You are saying that you will focus more on the farmers.
Ravi Rana: Our focus is on farmers and the unemployed. We are also paying more attention to the education sector and health facilities.
Khushboo: What would you like to say about the opposition? Candidates like Tushar Panditrao Bhartiya. who didn’t get a ticket from BJP are now contesting independently. Do you think they will be able to compete with you, or are you confident that you will win?
Ravi Rana: There is no real opposition. They only file nominations when elections come around.
I believe the people decide who is good and who is bad. Twenty-six people have filed their nominations, and they are all part of the opposition.
Everyone says something during elections. Just because someone speaks doesn’t mean they are right. The one who has worked consistently for five years is the one who is right. The people’s decision reflects that.
Khushboo: Do you think the Mahayuti alliance will give you a backbone?
Ravi Rana: We are part of the Mahayuti. They support us, and I also support them in many places. When there is an alliance, there is mutual support.
