The Congress has always been opposing development works in Maharashtra. They were the ones who opposed Samruddhi Expressway, but people came forward and supported it," Devendra Fadnavis said.

Mumbai:

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared today that while he was ready to discuss the Shaktipeeth Highway project with people opposing it, he would not entertain political opponents. The political opponent in this case is the Congress, which has been highlighting the farmers' views about inadequate compensation for the Rs 86,000 crore project that would connect multiple pilgrim centres. A few ministers have also indicated reservations on behalf of their constituencies.

"The Congress has always been opposing development works in Maharashtra. They were the ones who opposed Samruddhi Expressway, but people came forward and supported it," Mr Fadnavis said.

Mr Fadnavis said recently, around 350 farmers had gheraoed him and gave him letters of support. "I can understand that there is opposition from some people, we will talk with them. Eknath Shinde (Deputy Chief Minister) said yesterday that it would be resolved through talks. But we will not be bound by political opposition," he added.

The cabinet approval for the "Shaktipeeth Highway" project has riled up the farmers.

This 802-km expressway will not only connect 12 districts and 18 religious places but will also cut down the travel time from Nagpur to Goa from 18 hours to 8 hours.

Due to the strong opposition, the Mahayuti government had kept the project on hold ahead of the Assembly polls. But after the landslide victory, it was brought back on track with Cabinet approval