The Shiv Sena Uddhav faction criticized the MahaYuti government for its participation in the World Economic Forum summit at Davos. Despite the government’s claim of a successful trip with MoUs worth Rs 37 lakh crore, the party highlighted the disconnect with the state’s rural challenges. In a statement, the faction raised concerns over the actualization of investments and job promises made during the summit.
The editorial in the party’s mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ emphasized the stark contrast between the lavish spending on the Davos delegation and the ongoing rural crises in Maharashtra. It pointed out the high number of farmer suicides in the Marathwada region, questioning the government’s priorities. Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan also joined in, urging transparency on the outcomes of the MoUs signed at Davos.
The Shiv Sena faction demanded accountability from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Industries Minister Uday Samant regarding the implementation of the massive investments pledged at Davos. They questioned the credibility of the government’s claims, especially in light of existing challenges like rural distress and job scarcity. The editorial further criticized the government’s portrayal of the Davos visit as a significant milestone for Maharashtra’s progress.
Former leader of the opposition Ambadas Danve raised doubts about the necessity of expensive meetings in Switzerland for agreements that could have been signed locally. Drawing a comparison with Karnataka, the editorial highlighted the Congress-led government’s focus on securing real investment commitments rather than mere MoUs. It also alleged a stagnation in development under the Modi government, pointing out various societal challenges that remain unaddressed.
The UBT faction of Shiv Sena questioned the value of chief ministers from BJP-ruled states attending such summits, suggesting it might be a misuse of public funds. They criticized the practice of signing preliminary agreements with Indian companies, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the actualization of investments. The editorial concluded by emphasizing the need for more cost-effective approaches to such engagements, rather than extravagant spending on foreign trips.
