Fadnavis hails Modi's 12-year term, credits Centre for Maharashtra's rise
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, 10 June wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulating him on completing an unprecedented 12 years in office — a tenure Fadnavis described as making Modi the 'longest serving elected Prime Minister in Bharat's history'. In the letter, Fadnavis credited the Prime Minister's leadership with transforming India from a Samarth Bharat (Capable India) into a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), citing landmark achievements including lifting 25 crore citizens out of poverty and establishing India as a defence-exporting nation.
Maharashtra's Development Milestones Under Central Support
Fadnavis expressed deep gratitude for the Centre's consistent backing of Maharashtra's infrastructure agenda. He recalled how Prime Minister Modi swiftly approved a special relief package in 2015 for Maharashtra's severely drought-hit districts, enabling the completion of over 100 irrigation projects across Vidarbha, Marathwada, and North Maharashtra. The Chief Minister credited the central government for accelerating long-delayed mega-projects, including the Navi Mumbai International Airport, Mumbai Metro-3, metro networks in Nagpur and Pune, the Samruddhi Mahamarg, Atal Setu, and the Coastal Road.
Cultural and Heritage Achievements
Fadnavis highlighted several cultural milestones he attributed to the Modi government's support. These include the inclusion of 11 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the conferral of Classical Language status on Marathi, and the establishment of memorials dedicated to Babasaheb Ambedkar in both London and Mumbai (at the Indu Mill site).
Upcoming Projects and Economic Ambitions
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister spotlighted the Vadhavan Port as a transformative project expected to shape the national economy for the next 50 years and generate over 10 lakh jobs. He also noted the expansion of the Amravati Textile Park into a Mega Textile Park, alongside progress in AURIC City and Dighi Port. Fadnavis further asserted that Gadchiroli is emerging as the nation's 'Green Steel Hub', positioning the region as a model of development following what he described as the successful elimination of Naxalism.
Climate Challenges and the Road Ahead
The letter was written against the backdrop of mounting climate concerns, with Maharashtra bracing for the potential impact of El Niño and an anticipated delay in the monsoon. Despite these pressures, Fadnavis expressed full confidence in the state's resilience, stating that the Centre's continued support gives Maharashtra the resolve to assert it 'will not stop now'. He closed by seeking Prime Minister Modi's continued guidance for Maharashtra's development journey ahead.