Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is facing scrutiny despite receiving praise for securing MoUs worth a staggering Rs15.70 lakh crore with 64 companies at the World Economic Forum in Davos. While the state government has touted the agreements as a major win, key opposition leaders have raised doubts about the authenticity and intentions behind the deals.
NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar was quick to dismiss the government’s claims, calling the MoUs a fabrication. Pawar alleged that the government had orchestrated a false narrative, claiming that investors were pre-identified and invited to sign MoUs during the event. He pointed out that several companies listed, like Forbes and JSW, already have established operations in Maharashtra. According to Pawar, presenting these agreements as fresh investments was a deceptive attempt to mislead the public.
Pawar also took aim at Industrial Minister Uday Samant, questioning his role in the Davos trip. “Was he there to bring in investments or to break the party?” Pawar remarked.
Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray also criticised the MoUs, calling the visit ‘eyewash’. Thackeray pointed out that 43 of the 54 MoUs signed at the event were with Indian companies. He questioned the necessity of conducting the MoU ceremony in Davos when such deals could have easily been made in India.
State Congress president Nana Patole also demanded transparency, calling for a white paper detailing the MoUs. He also accused the Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh of securing a Rs6,000 crore investment from Maharashtra during Fadnavis’ trip to Davos.
