Mega projects row: Amid opposition clamour, Fadnavis says ‘fake narrative’ being created by detractors 

Aaditya Thackeray counters Fadnavis’ claims, says electronic manufacturing cluster already initiated during MVA’s time

The raging tussle over the alleged flight of industrial investment and big-ticket projects from Maharashtra between the ruling Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government and the Opposition continued unabated with Deputy Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis on Monday accusing the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of “creating a fake narrative” and trying to “defame” the State.

“Despite our government being in power for only three months, a fake narrative is being created that industries are flying from Maharashtra. In this narrative, some political parties, their ecosystem and regrettably some sections of the media who are acting like His Master’s Voice by repeating opposition claims are trying to defame the State,” said Mr. Fadnavis, speaking to reporters in Mumbai.

Stressing that the stalled Nanar refinery project would be completed, he singled out the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) for censure, remarking that Mr. Thackeray and his party had no right to comment on investments in the State given that they had opposed the Nanar refinery in the Konkan when in power.

In a bid to deflect opposition criticism, Mr. Fadnavis announced that the BJP-ruled Centre had approved of an electronics manufacturing cluster at Ranjangaon in Pune district under the national policy on electronics.

“This will create robust electronics manufacturing ecosystem in Maharashtra. This Electronics Manufacturing Cluster at Ranjangaon will be spread across 297.11 acre and Rs. 492.85 crore will be spent on development. Rs 207.98 crore is GoI’s contribution,” he tweeted, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“In the new year, Centre will also be giving Maharashtra a textile park by which a textile cluster will be created. The proposal is in its last stage and may be announced before the Budget next year…within two years, Maharashtra would again be ‘no 1’ in terms of investment,” assured Mr. Fadnavis.

Commenting on the Tata-Airbus military aircraft manufacturing project, the Deputy CM claimed that high-ranking officials in the consortium had last year (when the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA was in power) apparently complained of the “lack of conducive atmosphere” in the State.