Maharashtra parties urged not to oppose projects

Lily

B.R
Staff member
Mumbai: As Maharashtra gets ready to celebrate its economic and social achievements 50 years after the formation of the state, its governor cautioned against undue opposition to major projects.

At the Maharastra Economic Development Council's exhibition showcasing the state's growth opportunities, Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranaryanan was obviously referring to the massive Jaitapur nuclear power project that has been relentlessly opposed by local residents and parties like the Shiv Sena.

He said there has to be a broad-based consensus between the ruling parties and the opposition on the issue of development. "Politics should not be allowed to come in the way of development."

Paranoia

He also stressed that excessive opposition to projects involving foreign investment or entities like Special Economic Zones was harmful to the state. "Every single agitation against a foreign investor sends a wrong signal to ten other prospective investors," the governor said.

Sometimes, there is opposition to major projects "just for the sake of it. The multi-national companies and large conglomerates are vilified as it presumed that they are coming to exploit us."

'Paranoid attitude'

He called for changing the "paranoid" attitude and pointed that many other states were vying for the share of investment. "Therefore, Maharashtra cannot afford to remain complacent. The state will have to be aggressive in attracting and retaining investment," he added.

Meanwhile, the state government has put up an impressive stage at Girgaon Chowpatty beach for the golden jubilee celebrations which began yesterday. Events will focus on the poets of Maharashtra, the Maratha king Shivaji, role of social reformers, the state's contribution to the freedom struggle, folk dances and Marathi theatre and films.

 
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