Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Maharashtra today to celebrate the PM Vishwakarma Yojana in Vardha, with a significant program set to take place at Swavalam Maidan. Dignitaries including Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar are in attendance. The event aims to empower artisans and promote skill development across the state.
However, amidst the celebrations, controversy brews as Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has sharply criticized Modi’s visit. In a recent interaction with reporters in Mumbai, Raut questioned the impact of Modi’s appearances, stating, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes and goes. They don’t even know what kind of excavation they have done. This is the situation in Maharashtra.” He expressed concern over the industrial state of Maharashtra, alleging that the BJP-led government has destabilized the region economically.
Raut raised a direct question regarding the significance of Modi’s visits: “What about industry?” He pointed out that significant industries are relocating to Gujarat, referencing comments from opposition leader Vijay Vaddetiwar about the alarming trend. “Instead of just inaugurating projects, there should be efforts to retain industries in Maharashtra,” he urged.
The MP’s critique extended beyond industry issues, calling attention to Modi’s recent visit to Kashmir where the Prime Minister promised full statehood amid rising local discontent. Raut questioned the rationale behind such promises, suggesting they were more about optics than substantive change. “If you say why, the people there are angry. Then why did you take a full state tour?” he remarked.
As PM Modi celebrates the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, he is set to distribute kits to beneficiaries, including 15,000 artisans, 5,000 IT trainees, and 20,000 women from self-help groups. Following this, he will lay the foundation stone for the PM Mitra Textile Park and Ariel Park in Amravati, and a postage stamp in his honor will also be unveiled. Additionally, the Maharashtra government’s Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Center scheme is expected to launch during this event.
While the state government emphasizes the positive outcomes of the Vishwakarma Yojana in fostering skill development and supporting local artisans, the criticisms from Raut and other opposition leaders underscore ongoing tensions regarding industrial growth and economic stability in Maharashtra. As the Prime Minister’s initiatives unfold, the question remains: will they sufficiently address the concerns of a state seeking robust industrial development and economic security?
