Of 61 Davos deals for Maharashtra, 51 are with Indian firms, with 43 already in Mumbai-Pune: Congress leader

State Congress Chief questions BJP’s claims of big investments, job creation at the World Economic Forum in Davos; claims these deals show Government is promoting criminals, black-market activity. Maharashtra Congress president, Nana Patole has called on the State Government, led by Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis and the previous Eknath Shinde-led administration to release a white paper on the investments and job creation claims made during their visits to the annual World Economic Summit at Davos in Switzerland. Mr. Fadnavis, now in Davod, announced on Thursday (January 23, 2025) that 61 agreements signed at the event would bring in ₹15.70 lakh crores investments and generate 15.95 lakh jobs in the State. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Mr. Patole raised questions about the credibility of these claims. He alleged that out of the 61 companies, 51 are Indian and 43 of them are already based in the Mumbai-Pune region.

‘Promoting criminals’ 

Highlighting specific deals, he noted that the Government signed a ₹1,500 crores agreement with BookMyShow, a company under investigation by the Mumbai Police for alleged black marketing of tickets for a Coldplay Concert. Similarly, he criticized a pact with Hiranandani, a company facing inquiries for irregularities in Powai and a pension fund scam. Mr. Patole questioned whether these agreements were promoting black market activities and criminality. The Congress leader also accused the Government of turning Maharashtra into a “liquor state” by signing agreements worth ₹750 crores with Heineken and ₹1,500 crores with AB InBev, both beer manufacturing companies. He cited Article 47 of the Indian Constitution, which urges States to work toward reducing the consumption of intoxicating substances.

‘False promises’

Further, he alleged that the deal with Dhanashree Mandhani’s Prime company to produce 6,000 drones is dubious, as the company does not have a functional manufacturing facility for drones, but only assembles imported parts. “Stop misleading the public with false promises of investment,” Mr. Patole said. Responding to ally, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray’s recent decision to contest local body elections independently, Mr. Patole welcomed the statement, noting that every Political Party has the right to determine its strategy. “The Congress will decide its approach for local body elections, after consulting its local leaders once the elections are announced,” he said.

Source : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/of-61-davos-deals-for-maharashtra-51-are-with-indian-firms-with-43-already-in-mumbai-pune-congress-leader/article69136254.ece