Industries left state in MVA regime, says Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday claimed that industries migrated out of the state during the regime of the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government as it did not support them, but the situation has reversed now.

Speaking at a campaign rally at Guhagar Assembly constituency in this coastal district ahead of the November 20 elections, Shinde also said that Maharashtra has regained its top position in the country and accounts for 52 per cent of the total Foreign Direct Investment flow. The Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government brought in investments of Rs 5 lakh crore, Shinde claimed.

The Opposition has been alleging that some big-ticket investment projects were diverted to Gujarat from Maharashtra during the present regime.

On the controversial Barsu refinery project in the district, Shinde said it was the MVA government which gave the approval, but assured that it would not be implemented by using force or without the people’s consent. Uddhav Thackeray, his predecessor and former party head, gave up the ideals of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray for the CM’s post, Shinde alleged.