Maharashtra leaders clash over company closures and industrial exodus

A political confrontation has emerged in Maharashtra between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the NCP (SP) regarding industrial stability and company closures. The NCP (SP) accused the Chief Minister of using 'wordplay' to sidestep concerns over the closure of 36,211 companies in the state over the last five years, citing data from the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Chief Minister Fadnavis defended the state's industrial performance, arguing that 76 per cent of the closed entities were defunct companies that never commenced operations. He noted that Maharashtra maintains the highest number of registered companies in the country.

Separately, Sharad Pawar has raised alarms regarding an industrial exodus in Pune’s Chakan belt. Reports suggest approximately 20 companies, employing over 2,000 workers, may relocate due to infrastructure issues including traffic congestion, poor roads, pollution, and unreliable water and electricity supplies. While Fadnavis acknowledged infrastructure challenges in Chakan, he maintained that the broader industrial outlook remains strong.