Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday took a jibe at Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, advising him to quit the party and pursue a career in stand-up comedy. His remarks came after Gandhi hosted the Chhatron Ki Goonj event in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, where an act of mimicry emerged as a focal point of political controversy. 

CM Fadnavis made the remarks while responding to questions about the Chhatron Ki Goonj programme held in Indore on Saturday, where comedian Pulkit Mani appeared to mimic Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi during a stage interaction being anchored by Gandhi. The performance has kicked up a row, as BJP leaders have slammed Gandhi over his presence during the act. 

Fadnavis asserted, “The way Rahul Gandhi is doing mimicry, I feel he should quit the party and become a stand-up comedian.” 

He further claimed that the Congress had become ‘unemployed’ due to Gandhi and added that the Congress leader could at least find work as a comedian if he chose to pursue that profession. 

Fadnavis backs MDR imposed on UPI payments

Fadnavis also addressed the row linked to the introduction of a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on several high-value UPI transactions. As per reports, from October 15, 2026, a 0.4% fee shall apply to specified merchant UPI transactions above Rs 2,000, with exemptions and sector-specific rates also introduced. Fuel transactions, for instance, have been reported to draw a flat MDR of Rs 5. 

Reacting to concerns among petrol pump operators, Fadnavis said they should not oppose the rollout, arguing that digital payments had helped expand their businesses and improve transparency. He backed the move, saying, “Their transactions have become transparent, and people are also using UPI widely. A very nominal fee has been imposed.” 

He went on to say that an attempt was being made to create a narrative around the issue despite the government clarifying that the fee would apply only to specified transactions rather than all UPI payments. 

He further referred to a Parliamentary committee that had recommended the introduction of MDR, claiming that former finance minister P Chidambaram and three other senior leaders from the Congress were among its members. 

UPI has boosted trade, opines Fadnavis

The Chief Minister continued by saying that the wider contribution of UPI and digital payments to the economy should also be kept in view while debating the charges. He said, “I feel that everyone should understand the role played by UPI and digital transactions in boosting trade and reducing corruption.” 

He maintained that the nominal charge being imposed was aimed at covering costs linked to the digital payments ecosystem and urged petrol pump operators and traders not to oppose it.