Mumbai, Feb 24 (NationPress) Bhaskar Jadhav, a prominent leader of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), fiercely criticized the state government during a session in the Legislative Assembly regarding the alarming rise in unemployment, unfulfilled commitments, and an industrial strategy that exists only in theoretical documents.

In his remarks during a debate on the Governor's address, Jadhav highlighted official statistics indicating a seven-fold surge in unemployment rates across the state.

According to government figures, the overall unemployment rate surged to 6.4 percent in the April-June 2025 period, a significant increase from 3.5 percent in the 2021-22 timeframe. Urban unemployment reached 6.8 percent by December 2025, while rural women's unemployment escalated from 4.2 percent to 7.5 percent. Alarmingly, the unemployment rate among degree holders stands at 11.3 percent.

“Is this progress or regression?” Jadhav questioned, emphasizing that despite possessing degrees, youth are left unemployed due to inadequate skill development.

He insisted that the government clarify the reasons behind the rising unemployment rates, despite its assertions of industrial advancement.

Jadhav accused the administration of being merely a “Government of MOUs,” claiming that its endeavors are confined to signing agreements and publicizing them without any actionable plans.

He reiterated previous allegations that significant projects, including Foxconn and the Bulk Drug Park, have been redirected to Gujarat.

Moreover, he lambasted the Mahayuti alliance for its failure to fulfill its election promise of generating 1 million jobs.

“Young individuals recruited for 11-month contracts were assured permanent employment, yet they find themselves jobless today. What is the real outcome of the Chief Minister’s Youth Training Scheme?” questioned Jadhav.

In a pointed critique of the BJP’s national commitment to creating 20 million jobs annually, he remarked that if 240 million people had truly found employment over the past twelve years, the government would not need to provide free food grains to 800 million citizens.

Jadhav also brought up the recent Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) raid at the Mantralaya, questioning how the ACB had the audacity to raid the secretariat and raised concerns about potential bias against a tribal minister.

In closing, Jadhav opposed the Governor’s address, asserting that it lacks a fresh vision for the state’s developmental trajectory.

NCP legislator Chetan Tope expressed support for the Governor’s address, stating that it provides a roadmap for achieving a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030 and pursuing the Mission Viksit Maharashtra 2047.