“What Progress?” Raj Thackeray Targets Govt

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the Central and Maharashtra governments, questioning the state’s development model and alleging that local interference and political interests are delaying major infrastructure projects.

Speaking at a press conference in Raigad, Thackeray said that development works often fail to move forward because of the interference of local legislators. He recalled speaking to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding the long-pending Mumbai-Goa Highway project.

“I had called Union Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding the Mumbai-Goa Highway. He told me that the contractors had become frustrated and left,” Thackeray said.

He questioned why contractors working in the Konkan region were allegedly becoming frustrated. According to Thackeray, similar issues repeatedly emerge while constructing roads, with contracts and money becoming the centre of controversy.

“Money is gone and the contract is also gone! Without any vision, the only thing happening today is how to get a percentage,” he alleged.

Thackeray also warned local residents against selling their land, claiming that land acquired from locals could eventually end up with major industrial groups.

“You will sell your land to someone, and tomorrow that land will go into Adani’s hands. Therefore, local citizens need to firmly oppose such things,” he said.

‘Second Mumbai, Third Mumbai’ Projects

Thackeray also questioned the ongoing announcements of projects such as the ‘Second Mumbai’ and ‘Third Mumbai’ across Maharashtra.

“Today, projects called the Second Mumbai and Third Mumbai are being announced across the state. What exactly is going to come up in this Third Mumbai? An educational city, sports city, data centres, research institutions and international universities,” he said.

However, he questioned whether the people of Maharashtra were being given complete information about what was actually being planned.

He warned that the original landowners could eventually lose their identity and become merely “former landowners” while large urban developments rise before their eyes.

“Look at the condition of Pune today. It is there for everyone to see. The work of destroying the local population is currently underway,” Thackeray said.

‘Who Is All This Development For?’

Thackeray claimed that selling land had become a major activity in Maharashtra, particularly in the Konkan region.

“Selling land is the only business currently going on in Maharashtra. This is particularly visible on a large scale in Konkan,” he said.

He questioned who would ultimately benefit from the state’s land, water and electricity.

“Our land, our water and our electricity… then who will be sustained by these? Outsiders! If development related to Maharashtra’s interests is not happening, then what is the use of that development? Who exactly is all this being done for?” he asked.

‘We Will Give Water, We Will Give Roads’

Thackeray also criticised the concept of guardian ministers, calling it “extremely foolish”.

“The word guardian means mother and father. Then should we consider them our mother and father?” he questioned.

He argued that the government should directly take responsibility for development-related decisions and provide clarity about employment opportunities for the younger generation.

“What kind of employment will our sons and daughters get? Nobody knows anything. Everything is being kept hidden,” he said.

Thackeray further criticised the slow pace of infrastructure development, claiming that several projects remain incomplete even after 15 years.

“For 15 years, works have not been completed; even today, the situation remains difficult. Since Independence, the same thing has been happening. No new issues are being brought forward. ‘We will give water, we will give roads’ — development has been limited only to this,” he said.

He clarified that he was not opposed to development, but demanded transparency from the government.

“We are not against development, but do not keep people in the dark,” Thackeray said.

‘Once You Sell Your Land, It’s Over’

Thackeray issued a serious warning to local residents, saying that their existence and future were closely linked to their land.

“Your existence is sustained only by your land. Once you sell the land, your issue ends there,” he warned.

He appealed to people to collectively think about the future of Konkan and said that united resistance could prevent injustice.

According to Thackeray, political change and a change in leadership were necessary to bring about a broader transformation.

He also alleged that elected representatives often remain disconnected from ground-level issues.

“Those who get elected have nothing to do with whether the road is bad or good. Unless they are given a push, political and social change will not happen,” he said.

Follow MahaENews-X on: Follow MahaENews on Instagram