Pune: TS Singh Deo Slams BJP for Failing $1 Trillion Economy Promise in Maharashtra After Five Years

Pune, 13th November 2024: In the aftermath of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections, former Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Tribhuvaneshwar Saran Singh Deo, held a press conference at Congress Bhavan to address the media. Also present were National Spokesperson Dr. Shama Mohammad, Maharashtra State Congress Committee Spokesman Gopal Tiwari, Senior Karnataka Congress Leader Suraj Hegde, and Congress Pune City President Arvind Shinde.

Singh Deo criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti Government in Maharashtra, claiming it has allowed key industries, such as diamond trade, manufacturing, and dairy, to shift from Maharashtra to Gujarat. While he expressed support for the development and industrialisation of all states, Singh Deo argued that the BJP government has undermined Maharashtra’s economic foundation by diverting industries that were originally intended for the state to Gujarat.

He also slammed the BJP for failing to fulfil its 2019 promise of growing Maharashtra’s economy to one trillion dollars, which remains unachieved after five years. Singh Deo emphasised that the BJP’s election promises were misleading, adding that the relocation of industries to Gujarat was detrimental to Maharashtra’s economy.

Singh Deo highlighted the Mahavikas Aghadi’s election manifesto, “Maharashtra Nama,” which includes plans to recruit 250,000 government employees within the first 100 days and strategies for the next five years to propel Maharashtra to the top in per capita income by 2030.

He further pointed out economic setbacks under the Mahayuti government, claiming that 37 IT companies had relocated from Pune’s Hinjewadi area and 50 industrial units had left the Chakan industrial estate. Singh Deo also accused the BJP of steering Maharashtra’s dairy industry toward Gujarat and criticised the plans to redevelop Dharavi, suggesting it could displace residents while benefiting specific private interests.

Singh Deo questioned why four out of five major semiconductor projects in the country are being established in Gujarat, alleging this was done to cater to specific individuals. He also noted that despite the lack of infrastructure for a diamond bourse in Surat, the diamond trade had been moved there from Mumbai, again suggesting favouritism.