Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A political standoff has intensified in Maharashtra over alleged industrial migration and deteriorating infrastructure in Chakan, one of the state’s key manufacturing hubs, with the Opposition accusing the government of failing to address basic civic problems while the ruling coalition rejected claims of an industrial exodus.
The row erupted after NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar flagged severe traffic congestion, pothole-ridden roads and water shortages in Chakan, claiming that 20 industrial units employing more than 2,000 workers are considering shifting operations because of the problems.
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Pawar also cited parliamentary data to claim that 36,211 private entities had ceased operations in Maharashtra over the past five years, and called for urgent measures to improve infrastructure in the industrial belt.
FADNAVIS REJECTS INDUSTRIAL EXODUS CLAIMS
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, however, disputed the Opposition’s interpretation of the data, saying around 76 per cent of the reported closures involved defunct entities that had never been operational and were struck off during routine regulatory exercises.
Fadnavis said Maharashtra continued to lead the country in its industrial and corporate base, with nearly four lakh functional enterprises and the highest number of new corporate registrations.
He also said the government had constituted a high-level, multi-agency task force to address Chakan’s infrastructure problems, with both immediate and long-term measures being planned.
OPPOSITION TARGETS GOVT OVER JOBS, INVESTMENT
The Opposition stepped up its attack, linking the reported closures and alleged movement of businesses out of the state to the government’s handling of infrastructure and investment.
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule said parliamentary data showed that 36,112 companies had shut down in Maharashtra, arguing that even the closure of a single enterprise was a matter of concern.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray also targeted the government, claiming that more than 35,000 businesses had left Maharashtra in five years, including 680 that allegedly shifted to Gujarat.
Thackeray also pointed to infrastructure problems in Chakan and Nashik, questioning the government’s claims of attracting investment while basic civic facilities remained inadequate.
INDUSTRY MINISTER DENIES MIGRATION
Maharashtra Industry Minister Uday Samant rejected the allegations that manufacturing units were leaving the state.
“The truth is that not a single company has migrated,” Samant said, adding that he had spoken to representatives of industries in Chakan to understand their concerns.
Samant said he would personally meet entrepreneurs in Chakan on August 16 and promised to stay engaged until their operational grievances were addressed.
The political confrontation comes amid a broader debate over Maharashtra’s investment climate, with the Opposition highlighting infrastructure deficiencies and alleged industrial migration, while the state government maintains that Maharashtra remains India’s leading destination for businesses and new investments.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
