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Nirmala Sitharaman slams Congress-led MVA government, for stalling critical infrastructure projects in Maharashtra
NEW DELHI: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Wednesday, launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, accusing it of stalling critical infrastructure projects in Maharashtra, including the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train and the Mumbai Metro car shed in Aarey Colony.
She made these remarks at the BJP legislature party meeting, where Devendra Fadnavis was elected leader ahead of the swearing-in of the BJP-led government.
“Had the Congress-led government not been in power in Maharashtra during the MVA period, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train would have already commenced,” Sitharaman said.
The finance minister also questioned the MVA’s decision to halt the Aarey Colony car shed project. “Why did they delay the Aarey car shed construction? It was part of the Mumbai Metro project. This decision unnecessarily caused delays when the Union government was trying to resolve issues plaguing Mumbai’s suburban railway network,” she added.
Reflecting on the BJP’s landslide victory in the November 20 assembly polls, Sitharaman described the results as “unprecedented and unexpected.” She said, “The people were tired and concerned about the functioning of the Congress-led coalition. That is why they have given this clear mandate. We will remind people of the losses incurred during Congress rule.”
Promising rapid progress, she said, “A double-engine government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership will fulfil the promises made during the campaign and take Maharashtra towards speedy development.”
Sitharaman highlighted key central government initiatives for the state, including the Rs 76,000 crore Vadhavan port project and the recognition of Marathi as a classical language. She emphasized Mumbai’s pivotal role, stating, “Mumbai is the financial capital of the country and plays a pivotal role in economic progress, including the fintech sector. With our efforts, Maharashtra’s leadership in this field will remain intact.”
Outlining plans for the agricultural sector, Sitharaman said, “We will boost agricultural infrastructure in Nashik with investments in new godowns and scientific packaging units for crops such as onion, garlic, and grapes.”
She also highlighted the cultural significance of Maharashtra to the central government, citing the Warkari corridor project. “Projects like the Warkari corridor between Pune and Pandharpur reflect how much Maharashtra and its culture mean to the prime minister,” she said.
Concluding her address to the newly-elected BJP MLAs, Sitharaman said, “Let’s make Maharashtra a powerful state. Hum ek hai to safe hai (United we are safe).”
