01 June,2024 02:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Devendra Fadnavis/ File Photo
The Congress on Saturday challenged Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' claim that Maharashtra's rank in foreign direct investment (FDI) fell during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) regime, claiming that the state has constantly topped the country in FDI.
State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant highlighted figures from the Union Ministry of Industries, stating that between 2000 and 2012, Maharashtra got about 33 per cent of all FDI in India. "From October 2019 to June 2022, Maharashtra ranked first in overall FDI even during the MVA government's tenure," stated Sawant.
The MVA administration, led by Uddhav Thackeray, dissolved in June 2022 following Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena mutiny, which ended in his coalition with the BJP and subsequent appointment as Chief Minister. Congress is a partner in the MVA.
Fadnavis claimed on Friday that Maharashtra had lagged in attracting FDI during the MVA rule but had regained the top position in the past two years. Sawant countered this by stating, "You (Fadnavis) presented data from April 2021 to March 2022, showing Karnataka ranked first. It would have made more sense to highlight that Gujarat ranked first from April 2020 to March 2021."
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Sawant accused the BJP-led central government of favouring Gujarat and Karnataka over Maharashtra, leading to those states overtaking Maharashtra in FDI. He pointed out that the computer hardware and software industry received the most FDI during these two fiscal years, primarily from Singapore, the US, and Mauritius. Gujarat received 78 per cent of all FDI in 2020-21, while Karnataka received 53 per cent in 2021-22.
"Why did Karnataka receive minimal investment in this sector in the first year while Gujarat received significant investment, and then the situation reversed in the second year?" Sawant questioned. He alleged that the Modi government's policies redirected FDI from Maharashtra to these states.
Sawant noted that investment in the computer hardware and software sector has not seen a significant increase after these two financial years. He concluded by stating that Maharashtra remains the best investment destination in the country as long as it is not undermined.
With PTI inputs
