Davos, Jan 22 (NationPress) In response to the rising criticism on social media regarding Maharashtra's investment agreements at the World Economic Forum, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has labeled the backlash as a “pre-planned toolkit”. He contended that those unable to accept Maharashtra's achievements are disseminating misleading messages to the public.

Speaking at a virtual press conference, the Chief Minister noted a distinct pattern of communication emerging on social media. “A toolkit has been created by those dissatisfied with Maharashtra’s progress. It’s quite humorous that the messaging is so uniform. While I won’t disclose their identities, I am fully aware of who is orchestrating this,” he commented.

Responding to concerns about the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lodha Group, Fadnavis emphasized the global significance of this agreement. “Critics question the deal made with Abhishek Lodha in Davos. However, Abhishek Lodha is a well-known industrialist in India. This agreement is not merely about a private estate; it encompasses investments in data centers from four of the world's leading companies—an infrastructure we urgently require,” he clarified.

Taking aim at his detractors, he asserted, “I have observed the paid toolkit campaigns circulating on social media. We choose to overlook those with narrow perspectives and limited hearts, but we will ultimately bring their actions to light.” He contrasted the achievements of the current administration with those of previous years, highlighting that in 2020-21, MoUs worth merely Rs 70,000-80,000 crore were signed, while the current initiative aims to position Mumbai as the global “Number One” hub for data centers.

The Chief Minister further justified the signing of MoUs on an international platform, stressing the strategic relevance of the World Economic Forum. “Davos serves as a stage that showcases every deal to a global audience, reinforcing Maharashtra's status as a prime investment hub. The visibility is unmatched. The data center deal comprises 80 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with only 20 percent being local investments through land. Major corporations align their board meetings around the Davos summit, rendering it the most effective venue for finalizing substantial international contracts,” he explained.

Fadnavis also addressed the opposition's criticisms regarding the government’s signing of MoUs with companies located in Mumbai and beyond during the WEF summit.

On Wednesday, Mumbai Congress committee chief Varsha Gaikwad labeled the Chief Minister’s visit to Davos as mere “show” and a misuse of state funds. She pointed out that several significant agreements were made with companies deeply embedded in Mumbai, including Lodha Developers (linked to state Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha) for Rs 1 lakh crore, K Raheja Group for Rs 80,000 crore, and Alta Capital-Panchshil for Rs 2 lakh crore.

“These companies have offices in Mumbai, some just a short distance from the Mantralaya,” Gaikwad remarked. “If these companies are based in Maharashtra, why travel to Davos to finalize these MoUs? This is nothing but ‘Eventbaazi’ and a strategy to mislead the public using their own tax contributions.”