Eknath Shinde to Attend World Economic Forum in Davos Amid Controversy Over Delegation Size

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is set to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, from January 15 to January 19, leading a delegation from the state. The Maharashtra Government has announced plans to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) amounting to approximately 3 lakh 10 thousand crores during the event. Shinde and his delegation will discuss a range of topics, including challenges facing the civil sector, innovative initiatives, and sustainable development.

This will be Shinde’s second participation in the World Economic Forum. In the previous year, he signed MOUs worth rupees 1 lakh 37 thousand crores, with an impressive 76 percent of them translating into actual contracts.

The delegation, comprising ten members, includes Industrial Minister Uday Samant, officers from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), senior leaders from the Chief Minister’s office, and eight members from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited (Mahapriet). The Union government has granted permission for their participation, emphasizing that no private airplanes will be used for the event.

During the forum, Shinde is expected to engage in discussions with foreign businessmen, aiming to strengthen economic ties and attract investments to Maharashtra. Special pavilions have been set up, showcasing audio and video clips related to the state.

On January 16, meetings are scheduled with prominent figures such as the Industrial Minister of Oman, Finance Minister of Saudi Arabia, Energy Minister of South Africa, Governor of Gyogi province of South Korea, and key representatives from global companies like DP World, Louis Dreyfus, and Witkowitz Atomica.

The following day, Shinde will hold discussions with industrialist Gautam Adani and meet with officers from renowned companies, including Michael Awes, Prince of Liechtenstein, MD of Hitachi Company, Carlsberg group, Dassault System, and Volvo Cars. Contracts will be signed after meetings and discussions with the Switzerland ambassador in India.

January 18 will witness a roundtable conference organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with Union Ministers in attendance. Shinde is scheduled to meet with the chiefs of companies such as Capgemini, AP Moller Maersk, and Ball Corporation.

However, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray has raised questions about the delegation size and expenses for the Davos tour. Allegations were made that the state government is sending 50 members, including family, friends, and agents of Chief Minister Shinde, despite the Union government permitting only ten members from Maharashtra. Aaditya accused Shinde of extravagant spending, claiming that not a single businessman is accompanying him.

In response, Industries Minister Uday Samant refuted the allegations, stating that all accounts would be provided after the tour. He urged critics to refrain from commenting on the tour if they had not personally borne the expenses. Samant expressed confidence in showcasing Maharashtra’s business potential and emphasized the government’s commitment to attracting investments to the state.

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