The Congress party unleashed a scathing critique on July 14th, accusing the Modi government of displaying “insensitivity and hostility” towards Maharashtra. The party highlighted a decade-long pattern of the state being “consistently squeezed out of multiple key projects and investments.”
Broken Promises: Mumbai’s Financial Hub Ambitions Stymied
The criticism came in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertions at a Mumbai event on July 13th, where he vowed to transform Maharashtra into a global financial powerhouse and establish Mumbai as a leading fintech capital.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in-charge communications, took to X (formerly Twitter) to denounce the Prime Minister’s claims as “trademark lies.” Mr. Ramesh pointed to Mumbai’s longstanding status as India’s financial capital, noting that despite this, Mr. Modi has repeatedly declined to establish an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in the city. Instead, an IFSC was set up exclusively in GIFT City, Gujarat. Mr. Ramesh reminded the public that Dr. Manmohan Singh had initiated efforts to establish an IFSC in Mumbai back in 2006.
Maharashtra’s Marginalization: A Pattern of Neglect
Mr. Ramesh went on to highlight a series of instances where Maharashtra was allegedly overlooked in favor of Gujarat, including:
- The shifting of the Vedanta-Foxconn chip factory from Maharashtra to Gujarat
- The relocation of the Textile Commissionerate Office and the Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education and Development from Maharashtra to Gujarat
He further emphasized the government’s refusal to recognize Marathi as a classical Indian language, adding to the perception of a broader disregard for Maharashtra’s interests.
The Path Forward: Maharashtra Demands Recognition and Investment
Congress’s attack on the Modi government underscores the growing discontent over the perceived neglect of Maharashtra. The party’s accusations raise crucial questions about the government’s commitment to fostering equitable development across all states. As the political discourse intensifies, Maharashtra’s rightful place in India’s economic and cultural landscape remains a contentious issue.
Key Takeaways:
| Key Learning Points |
|---|
| Congress accuses Modi government of “insensitivity and hostility” towards Maharashtra. |
| Maharashtra allegedly “consistently squeezed out of multiple key projects and investments.” |
| Modi’s promises to make Maharashtra a financial powerhouse and Mumbai a fintech capital questioned. |
| IFSC established in Gujarat instead of Mumbai despite Mumbai’s longstanding status as financial capital. |
| Several projects and institutions shifted from Maharashtra to Gujarat. |
| Marathi not recognized as a classical Indian language despite repeated demands. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
