Marathwada Liberation Day: Amid criticism, CM Eknath Shinde asserts his government’s commitment to region’s development
The Hindu
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde vows to develop Marathwada with ₹29,000 crore projects, but Opposition calls it 'untrue.'
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday reaffirmed his government’s dedication to advancing the drought-prone Marathwada region, stating that numerous projects valued at ₹29,000 crore are currently in progress to ensure the area’s development within a set timeline.
He said that Marathwada is poised to play a pivotal role in the nation’s overall progress.
However, the Opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) refuted the Chief Minister’s claim, branding it as ‘untrue.’ Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, even offered a reward of ₹1 lakh to anyone who could prove such development work was actually underway.
Mr. Shinde was addressing a gathering after hoisting the national flag at the Hutatma Memorial in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (previously Aurangabad) on the occasion of Marathwada Liberation Day, also known as Marathwada Mukti Sangram Din, marking the region’s integration into the Union of India from Nizam’s rule in 1948.
The people of the region fought valiantly against the atrocities of the ‘Razakars’, the Nizam’s private militia to merge the region into the Union of India. The Hyderabad State was annexed into India following military action, initiated by the then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
“The state government is determined to develop Marathwada, and this region will contribute significantly to the nation’s growth. To resolve the drought issues plaguing the region, we have initiated a ₹15,000 crore project to redirect runoff water to the Godavari River. This water-linking initiative will change Marathwada’s drought-stricken identity,” Mr. Shinde said.
He added that unlike the Konkan region, which receives substantial rainfall, or the prosperous western Maharashtra, Marathwada faces challenges, but the government is committed to addressing them.
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