Maharashtra has emerged the number one state in attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) beating Karnataka and Gujarat, said Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the finance portfolio.
Talking to media at his hometown Nagpur, Fadnavis said: “We were always optimistic about the leadership potential of Maharashtra when it came to investments, both domestic and FDI.”
“Unfortunately, during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government which governed for 2.5 years, the state was found lagging behind because of lack of confidence among investors. There was a lack of leadership. The MVA regime was marred by corruption and blackmailing which dented the image of the state amongst investors both at home and abroad,” Fadnavis said.
“Since our government was formed on June 30, I had promised to make Maharashtra the leader in the country. Our thrust on good governance has created conducive atmosphere which is integral for the investments in any state,” he added.
While justifying healthy competition among states, Fadnavis said: “After all, Gujarat is not in Pakistan. But having said this I still believe Maharashtra was and will always remain the most favoured destination among investors.”
The State has received more FDI than Delhi, Karnataka and Telangana, which ranked second, third and fourth respectively, said Fadnavis crediting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, saying that the State was making rapid progress under his leadership.