June 23, 2025: Mumbai, 20 June — Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday claimed that the previous UPA regime had neglected Mumbai, but the BJP-led Mahayuti government had “saved” the city by investing over Rs 7 lakh crore in infrastructure projects.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Maharashtra Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), Shah said that India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2026–27 and highlighted what he called “symmetric” national development over the past 11 years.
Ahead of municipal elections in Mumbai, Shah remarked that just a few years ago, the city was plagued by unchecked population growth, dilapidated housing, widespread slums, and traffic congestion. He credited Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with reversing this decline and noted the role of DY CM Eknath Shinde’s earlier government in furthering development.
Highlighting key infrastructure investments, Shah listed the 337-km metro network, the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train, the Wadhawan port, the Atal Setu sea bridge, and the Versova–Virar and Virar–Alibag corridors as transformative projects initiated under the BJP-led government.
He also criticised the UPA-era “double engine” government of Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi, claiming it had failed to deliver for Mumbai. In contrast, Shah said the Modi-Fadnavis-Shinde alliance has brought real results.
Addressing rural issues, Shah said farmer suicides in Maharashtra had ended due to increased investment in irrigation. He further noted that central allocations to the state rose from Rs 1.91 lakh crore during 2004–2014 to Rs 7.82 lakh crore between 2014–2024.
Shah encouraged MACCIA to continue lobbying for effective policy change and adapt to global economic shifts. He also urged the organisation to bring younger leadership into its ranks to remain future-ready and responsive.
Source: rediff
