Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticized former CM Uddhav Thackeray on Friday, asserting that his government will not stall ongoing projects. In a sharp jibe at the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, Fadnavis emphasized that the Mahayuti government, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, operates through collective decision-making.
A Unified Mahayuti Government
Speaking during a motion thanking Governor CP Radhakrishnan for his address to the legislature, CM Devendra Fadnavis defended the previous Mahayuti administration’s decisions. He clarified that these decisions were made jointly, not solely by former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
“I am not Uddhav Thackeray to halt ongoing projects. Every decision during Shinde’s tenure involved me and Ajit Pawar equally,” Fadnavis remarked.
He underscored that the Mahayuti government functions in complete coordination. All alliance partners, including the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, are actively involved in the decision-making process, ensuring balanced governance.
CM Devendra Fadnavis Rejecting Allegations of Project Delays
Fadnavis dismissed claims that his administration is obstructing development initiatives. He highlighted instances where administrative procedures, rather than political decisions, have caused temporary halts.
“If a divisional commissioner pauses a scheme due to non-compliance with central guidelines, the blame falls on me unfairly,” he asserted.
The chief minister reiterated that the people of Maharashtra have placed their trust in the Mahayuti coalition. The government is committed to fulfilling their aspirations through consistent progress and efficient administration.
100-Day Action Plan for Effective Governance by CM Devendra Fadnavis
Fadnavis announced the launch of a comprehensive 100-day action plan aimed at improving administrative efficiency and public service delivery. This plan will cover operations from taluka-level offices to Mantralaya, focusing on enhancing record-keeping and delivering citizen-centric governance.
The Quality Council of India (QCI) will evaluate departmental performance over the next 100 days. Departments demonstrating exceptional performance will receive recognition on May 1, 2025.
“We aim to establish a new work culture where accountability and efficiency drive our administration,” Fadnavis stated.
Metro Projects to Boost Urban Connectivity
Providing updates on major infrastructure projects, CM Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that Mumbai’s Metro 3, the nation’s longest underground metro corridor, will be fully operational by June 2025. Furthermore, all metro corridors in the city are scheduled for completion by 2027, significantly enhancing urban transportation.
He criticized the Opposition for applauding Gujarat’s investment inflow while neglecting Maharashtra’s achievements. According to Fadnavis, Maharashtra has attracted three times more investment than its neighboring state.
“At this rate, Gujarat won’t even need advertisements,” he quipped, underscoring Maharashtra’s superior economic performance.
Shaktipeeth Expressway: A Catalyst for Regional Growth
Fadnavis highlighted the proposed 802-kilometre Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway as a transformative infrastructure project. This expressway, traversing 12 districts, will connect central India with Konkan and southern Maharashtra, accelerating economic development.
The expressway will pass through the following districts:
- Wardha
- Yavatmal
- Hingoli
- Nanded
- Parbhani
- Beed
- Latur
- Dharashiv
- Solapur
- Sangli
- Kolhapur
- Sindhudurg
Upon completion, it will extend into Goa, facilitating better regional connectivity and fostering economic opportunities in the Marathwada region.
Gaining Farmers’ Support for the Expressway
Addressing concerns about local opposition, Fadnavis mentioned his meeting with 200 farmers from five talukas in Kolhapur district. These farmers, he claimed, expressed their support for the project, dispelling doubts about resistance.
“This expressway is not just a road—it is a lifeline for growth and prosperity,” he declared.
The Maharashtra government remains steadfast in its commitment to drive infrastructure growth and ensure inclusive development. Fadnavis reaffirmed that the administration’s policies are people-centric, aiming to deliver tangible progress across the state.
