Srinagar, June 11: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Sunday met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and requested him to provide land in Srinagar for the construction of ‘Maharashtra Bhawan’.
During the meeting, CM Shinde handed over a letter to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stating that Maharashtra Bhawan would promote cultural exchange and collaboration to boost the economy through tourism activities.
On the occasion, LG Sinha said 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 is heading towards 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,” LG Sinha said.
In a letter to the Lt. Governor, Chief Minister Shinde mentioned that considering the importance of tourism, both the states will benefit if the Maharashtra Bhavan gets the space to increase cultural exchange and alternatively generate economic development.
“It can be used as a major centre for students, entrepreneurs, and senior officials to strengthen the relationship with Jammu and Kashmir. It will help showcase Maharashtra’s art, culture and food in Kashmir,” he said.
Shinde said that ‘Maharashtra Bhavan’ in Srinagar will not only provide accommodation facilities to the tourists but also provide a glimpse of the rich art, food and culture of Maharashtra.
“It can be used as a major centre for students, entrepreneurs, senior officials to strengthen the relationship with Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Talking to media on the side-lines of a meeting in Srinagar, CM Maharashtra Shinde said he had a courtesy meeting with LG Manoj Sinha in Srinagar. There is a lot of development and visible change has happened in J&K, he said.
“With this, the number of tourists visiting the UT is also increasing. I have requested the LG to facilitate us to construct a Maharashtra Sadan in J&K for tourists visiting from the state,” Shinde said.
Shinde also praised the progress witnessed in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. Acknowledging the region’s transformation under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and local leadership, he said this evolution presents an ideal opportunity for greater integration between Maharashtra and Kashmir.
CM Maharashtra Shinde said the situation has improved in Jammu and Kashmir 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,” he said.
Shinde said now 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.
“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.
Shinde said Kashmir is a paradise and tourists come here not only from various corners of the country but also from across the world.
Regarding hosting of G20 meeting in Srinagar, CM Maharashtra Shinde said G20 presidency is a matter of pride for the people of India. People from across the world are coming to India, they came to Kashmir and Maharashtra as well.
“It allows us to give exposure to our infrastructure projects because they see how far the country has progressed,” he explained.
CM Maharashtra Shinde further said that while the world is facing economic problems, our country’s position has improved from 11th to fifth thanks to PM Modi. “His goal of a five trillion dollar economy is a huge accomplishment in and of itself,” he added.
In response to a question about J&K political parties demanding assembly elections, Shinde stated that Prime Minister Modi will definitely make a decision on it.
Shinde was on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Shrikant Shinde, his son and MP, accompanied him.
