Maha CM meets LG, seeks land for Bhavan in Srinagar
Lot of changes in UT after 370 abrogation: Shinde
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, June 11: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today said following abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India (on August 5, 2019), admirable progress has been witnessed in Kashmir under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Click here to watch video
Shinde who is in Jammu and Kashmir had earlier visited holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and paid obeisance to the Goddess. Today, he met Sinha at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar and also wrote a letter to him seeking approval for construction of Maharashtra Bhavan in Kashmir as a hub for students, entrepreneurs and officers from the State to engage, cultivate connections, and collaborate on shared interests.
“Glad to have met Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde and Member of Parliament Dr Shrikant Shinde at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar,” a tweet from Office of LG J&K said.
A press communique by LG office issued this evening said the Chief Minister of Maharashtra requested the Lt Governor for allocation of the land in Srinagar to build ‘Maharashtra Bhawan’ to strengthen tourism, cultural exchanges and economic development.
Sinha observed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Territory has converted challenges into opportunities and J&K is now the symbol of success and prosperity.
He said UT of J&K is full of self-confidence and it is moving forward on the path to progress.
“Socio-economic growth with equity and social justice in the last four years has ensured all-round development and prosperity for all,” the Lt Governor said
In his letter addressed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Eknath Shinde wrote: “In the time since the abrogation of Article 370, we have witnessed admirable progress in Kashmir under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and able leadership of Manoj Sinha”.
The evolution of the region brings about an ideal opportunity for greater integration between our States, Shinde said.
“Understanding the value of tourism and cultural exchange in enhancing relationships and economic growth, I kindly ask for your consideration in allocating a land plot in Kashmir to build a Maharashtra Bhavan,” the Chief Minister said, adding this establishment in Srinagar would not only showcase Maharashtrian art, culture and cuisine but also offer accommodation and support to Maharashtrians visiting the Valley.
Furthermore, he added, it will serve as a vibrant venue for cultural events and conversations, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.
“I envision the Maharashtra Bhavan in Kashmir as a hub for students, entrepreneurs and officials from our State to engage, cultivate connections and collaborate on shared interests,” Shinde wrote in the letter.
He sought approval of the Lieutenant Governor in principle for the Bhavan and assured that his State will adhere to all guidelines and procedures for eco-friendly development that respects Kashmir’s cultural and natural legacy.
Asserting that he is eager to discuss the proposal further and work hand-in-hand towards bringing our States closer in new era, the Maharashtra Chief Minister said he is available to provide any information required by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
He said the project will significantly benefit our State.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Shinde said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved a lot after the Centre abrogated Article 370 in August 2019.
“It is a matter of satisfaction that there is a huge difference in J-K since the last time. Many developmental works are taking place. Roads are being built, and tourists are coming here in large numbers. A belief has been created among the people of J-K that they are getting all the facilities,” he said, adding that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, (Union) Home Minister (Amit Shah) abrogated Article 370.
“We can see a lot of changes here now. Tourism is increasing, projects are going on, people will get employment. This was not seen before. But, today, there is development, that is what people want,” he said.
This is a paradise and tourists come here not only from various corners of the country but also from across the world, he added.
Responding to a question on political parties demand for conduct of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Shinde said the Prime Minister will definitely take a decision on it.
He said the BJP will win the Lok Sabha elections next year with a thumping majority and all previous poll records will be broken under the leadership of Narendra Modi.
“…In the coming elections, all records of the Lok Sabha elections will be broken under the leadership of PM Modi and BJP will win the Lok Sabha polls with a thumping majority,” Shinde said.
He took a swipe at the opposition parties which are set to meet on June 23 in Patna to chalk out a joint strategy against the BJP.
“If we talk about the 2024 polls, many parties are getting together against Modi, but they have not been able to name a person who can be their candidate. This had happened in 2014 polls as well, but Modi got a clear majority.
“In 2019 as well, parties came together, but what happened? Modi got a thumping majority. Now again, they are getting together… But Modi will again get a thumping majority,” he said.
“Modi does not respond to criticism, but works for the people. He does not give importance to his critics,” Shinde added.
He said his party will use its strength to help the BJP retain power under Modi’s leadership.
He said the amount of work done in the last nine years has surpassed what was done in 40-50 years before that.
“The elections will take place on the issue of development. So many roads and airports have been built and several schemes implemented for the welfare of women. It is obvious that the people will vote for those who work for them. So, all records will be broken in 2024 elections,” he said.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister said developmental projects were being undertaken across the country under Modi’s leadership and the economy was growing rapidly.
“The world is facing economic problems, but our country’s (economy) situation has improved from 11th position to fifth position because of PM Modi. His target of USD five trillion economy is a huge achievement in itself,” he said.
“Getting the G20 presidency is a matter of pride for the people of the country. People from across the world are coming to India, they came to Kashmir as well, Maharashtra as well… It gives us an opportunity to give exposure to our infra projects because they come to know how much the country is moving forward,” he added.
“Today, I met (J-K) LG Manoj Sinha. It was a goodwill meeting. He is our well-wisher. He called me for tea, so I came,” he said.
Shinde accused the Nationalist Congress Party of promoting dynastic politics, a day after NCP president Sharad Pawar appointed his daughter Supriya Sule as working president.
“I will only say that like in the Shiv Sena, Uddhav became the CM himself, and made his son a Minister, the same is happening in the NCP as well,” Shinde said.
“(Sharad) Pawar was president, and made a working president in the family. This is an internal matter of their party, and I don’t have to meddle in that, but it has happened like that only,” Shinde said.
Asked about his son and MP Shrikant Shinde’s remarks that some local BJP leaders in Maharashtra were engaging in selfish politics, the Maharashtra CM said it was a small matter and the BJP has issued an explanation over it.
“It was a small issue and it is over now. President of Maharashtra BJP, Chandrashekhar Bawankule has given an explanation on that and I don’t feel there is any need to say anything else on that,” Shinde said.
Asked to comment over the political situation in Maharashtra, Shinde said when he returns to his State, there will be a lot of time to discuss it.
Amid several incidents of communal clashes in parts of Maharashtra, Shinde said his Government will not allow anyone in the State to take law into their hands.
“It is the responsibility of our Government to maintain law and order. The opposition reiterates only one thing… They talk about Tipu Sultan and Aurangzeb, they take out their photos, banners.
“We will not allow this in Maharashtra. This is the Maharashtra of Chhatrapati Shivaji…Our Government is working on his inspiration and ideals. So, anyone taking law into their hands will not be spared, and the Government will fulfil its role in maintaining law and order,” Shinde said.
Shinde also attended a party meet here in which party leaders from 11 States participated.
He said he was happy that the meeting took place here as it was happening for the first time in the party’s history.
Asked about Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s claims that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had asked Shinde to drop four key Ministers of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, he said, “I do not want to talk about him”.”
“When you throw a stone into mud, what happens,” he added.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
