Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar the nation's future Electric Vehicle (EV) capital during the 78th Marathwada Mukti Sangram Din celebrations at Siddharth Garden's memorial here, emphasising its rising status as an investment hotspot. The annual event commemorates the 1948 integration of the Marathwada region—formerly under Nizam rule—into India via Operation Polo, honouring martyrs who fought against feudal oppression. Fadnavis, alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other leaders, unfurled the national flag and paid floral tributes to freedom fighters, underscoring the day's significance as a symbol of "unified India".
Fadnavis highlighted the region's industrial momentum, noting that Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) are transforming into Maharashtra's next growth engines. Citing recent approvals, he pointed to Toyota Kirloskar Motor's Rs 21,273 crore EV manufacturing project in the city, expected to create 12,000 jobs and bolster the Marathwada MSME ecosystem while reducing emissions.
This follows JSW Green Mobility's similar facility nod, aligning with the state's EV Policy 2025, aiming for 30% adoption by 2030 through incentives like Rs 15 crore R&D grants and automated testing stations. "Hyundai's investments and others show companies prefer Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar; it will now be the country's EV capital," Fadnavis said, reflecting Maharashtra's push to lead in sustainable mobility amid a national target of 30% EV penetration by 2030.
The chief minister also announced infrastructure milestones, including the inauguration of the Beed-Ahilyanagar railway line—fulfilling long-standing connectivity dreams—and the imminent Latur railway coach factory, set to employ 14,000. Addressing Marathwada's chronic drought, Fadnavis outlined ambitious irrigation plans: diverting Krishna Valley water, channelling excess from Sangli-Kolhapur, and importing 54 TMC from the Ulhas Valley.
With permissions secured and detailed project reports due by December, tenders will launch in January-February 2026, starting work within six months. He reaffirmed state support for recent flood victims, promising aid to affected families and farmers after heavy rains claimed lives in the region.
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The event was briefly disrupted by OBC quota activists protesting a September 2 government resolution allowing Marathas with Kunbi lineage—per the 1918 Hyderabad Gazette—to obtain OBC certificates for reservation benefits in jobs and education. Police detained the sloganeers, who decried it as "injustice to OBCs," amid backlash from leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, who plans court action, and threats of statewide stirs. Fadnavis condemned the interruption as a "disrespect to freedom fighters", urging wisdom. The GR, stemming from activist Manoj Jarange Patil's hunger strike, has divided communities, with Deputy CM Shinde assuring OBC safeguards and Fadnavis clarifying eligibility requires historical proof.
Responding to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve's accusations of neglecting Marathwada, Fadnavis listed fulfilled promises: Rs 61 crore for Grishneshwar Temple, Rs 541 crore for Tulja Bhavani, Aundha Nagnath plans, Beed Zilla Parishad progress, a Rs 2,700 crore water scheme, and enhancements in roads, anganwadis, and self-help groups.
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