Mumbai, February 26 (NationPress) - Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared on Thursday that the phase of "stagnant politics" in Maharashtra has concluded, ushering in an era of swift advancement.

He affirmed that the state is experiencing a new industrial revolution and continues to be the leading hub for investment in the nation.

In response to the discussion on the Governor’s address in the Legislative Council, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that Maharashtra holds the title of the top state in India for industrial investment and reiterated that the government’s foremost objective is to cultivate a progressive, prosperous, and secure Maharashtra.

He began his address by reflecting on the legacy of the late leader Ajit Pawar, noting the cloud of sorrow that hangs over the current assembly due to his demise, mentioning that Pawar consistently championed the cause of developmental politics.

Shinde emphasized the state’s industrial strength, asserting that Maharashtra is a favored destination for global investors.

Contributing 13.5 percent to India's overall GDP, Maharashtra secured Rs 1,64,875 crore in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for 2024-25, which amounts to 39 percent of the national total. In the initial six months of this fiscal year, the state attracted Rs 91,337 crore, thereby retaining its top rank, he stated.

Post the Davos summit, memorandums of understanding worth Rs 30 lakh crore were signed with businesses from 18 nations, with 82 percent of these currently in the execution phase. He pointed out that these investments are concentrated in cutting-edge industries such as Quantum Computing, AI, Semiconductors, and Green Energy.

DCM Shinde outlined several transformative projects intended to reshape the state’s landscape. He announced plans for the establishment of the World Competency Center in Mumbai, which will be the largest in Asia, generating 45,000 jobs.

“With a capacity three times larger than JNPT, the Vadhavan port is anticipated to draw Rs 40 lakh crore in investments and create 50 lakh jobs. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is being developed as India’s inaugural Smart Industrial City and a prospective center for Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing. The Samruddhi Mahamarg, Coastal Road, and Atal Setu have greatly improved connectivity throughout the state,” he remarked.

DCM Shinde stated that the government is striving to decentralize development beyond the Mumbai-Pune corridor. This includes Rs 50,000 crore in investments for North Maharashtra and Rs 11,519 crore for Ahilyanagar district.

The Deputy CM proclaimed 2026 as the "Year of Recruitment". Of a planned 1.53 lakh positions, 85,363 candidates have already been appointed. The government aims to guarantee transparency and trustworthiness in the recruitment processes for both public and private sectors.

He mentioned the 'GPR 2.0' initiative aimed at instigating substantial changes to governance, an effort that has received accolades from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Our government is dedicated to serving the people tirelessly. The vehicle of Maharashtra's progress has accelerated, and this journey of development will persist indefinitely,” he concluded.