“Development is not about factories or roads; we have to connect with people

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in conversation with Chairman of the Presidency Vinaya Deshpande during the Maharashtra Hindu Infrastructure Conclave 2026 at Taj President in Mumbai on May 22, 2026. | Photo credit: Emmanual Yogini

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Éknáth Šinde on Friday (May 22, 2026) outlined a holistic vision for Maharashtra’s infrastructure development and highlighted the importance of projects in Maoist-affected areas. Speaking at the Hindu’s flagship ‘Maharashtra Infrastructure Conclave 2026’, he said, “Surjagadh in Gadchiroli is as important to me as Mumbai,” and shed light on the government’s strategy to rehabilitate Maoist-hit areas.

The session titled ‘Mumbai to Surjagadh: Expressway to Prosperity’ was moderated by Vinaya Deshpande, Maharashtra Bureau Chief, The Hindu. In an hour-long interview, Mr. Shinde spoke about infrastructure, development of backward districts and the political environment in the state.

The Mahayuti government’s monthly relief programme, Ladki Bahin Yojana, will not be stopped at any cost, he said, adding that it has provided financial independence to poor and marginalized women, boosting the local economy.

Rehabilitation steps

“The distance between Mumbai and Surjagadh in Gadchiroli district is about 1,000 km. In the last four years, we have reduced this distance – not only on the map but also in our hearts,” Mr. Shinde said. Recalling his stint as Guardian Minister Gadchiroli during the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, he added, “No one wanted to take responsibility of Gadchiroli. When the government started its programmes, there was violence.”

Mr. Shinde said he spoke directly to the Maoists. “We understood that rehabilitation has to be proper, not temporary. That’s when many Naxals surrendered,” he said, pointing to a cluster development approach involving several villages affected by left-wing extremism. “If more development projects are added and people get jobs in Gadchiroli, Maoism will reduce.

The Deputy Chief Minister further said that he celebrated Deepavali with security personnel in Gadchiroli despite the threats. “Development is not about factories or roads. It is about people. We need to connect with people. Build roads today so dreams can reach tomorrow,” he said, adding that Gadchiroli will get an airport after land acquisition is completed and the Samruddhi Expressway will bring the district into the mainstream.

About politics

When asked about speculations about infighting within the ruling Mahayuti over the seat distribution pattern for the upcoming Legislative Council elections, he said an understanding would be reached soon. When asked about Shiv Sena’s expectations in the expected cabinet reshuffle at the Centre, he said the party is an important partner of the National Democratic Alliance and has no expectations from the ministerial berth.

“Shiv Sena does not expect anything from the cabinet reshuffle. We are not negotiating with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi. Modiji is the leader. We are happy with our ideology.”

Deputy Chief Minister on Ladki Bahin Yojana said, “We have given rights to women who have started small financial groups and started businesses. This will not stop.”

The event also featured panels on the Kumbh Mela, expansion in Mumbai and the maritime sector. Mr. Shinde’s session was the final discussion of the event.

Published – 22 May 2026 23:53 IST