Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday took aim at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, dismissing the annual global gathering as a “picnic” and questioning its relevance from an Indian standpoint.
“Chief ministers from various states in India are having a picnic in Davos,” Raut said. “The Davos conference is ridiculous from an Indian perspective.”
Raut also questioned the value of agreements signed during the visit, arguing that deals with Indian companies could just as easily have been finalised in Mumbai, without spending public money on foreign travel.
“They go to Davos every year. They should tell the nation and their states how much is spent on their travel. This could have happened sitting in Mumbai. If the figures (of the investment and job creation) being given are true, then I welcome them,” he added.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Maharashtra, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) mayoral race underway and negotiations expected to intensify later this month.
Responding sharply to Raut’s comments, Amruta Fadnavis, the chief minister’s wife, dismissed the criticism as baseless.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai, she said, “I can never understand his (Raut’s) language. But I will only say this much that someone who goes for a picnic does not hold conferences and meetings daily from 6 am to 11 pm to bring investment to India and Maharashtra, and boost employment.”
She also defended the significance of the WEF, describing it as a key international platform for global engagement. "I believe it is the duty of every state’s leadership to participate and represent their state,” she added.
Fadnavis is attending the WEF annual meeting in Davos after departing on Sunday. The chief minister has recently been credited with steering the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to a strong showing in Maharashtra’s municipal corporation elections. The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, winning 89 seats. (With inputs from TOI)
“Chief ministers from various states in India are having a picnic in Davos,” Raut said. “The Davos conference is ridiculous from an Indian perspective.”
Raut also questioned the value of agreements signed during the visit, arguing that deals with Indian companies could just as easily have been finalised in Mumbai, without spending public money on foreign travel.
“They go to Davos every year. They should tell the nation and their states how much is spent on their travel. This could have happened sitting in Mumbai. If the figures (of the investment and job creation) being given are true, then I welcome them,” he added.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Maharashtra, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) mayoral race underway and negotiations expected to intensify later this month.
Responding sharply to Raut’s comments, Amruta Fadnavis, the chief minister’s wife, dismissed the criticism as baseless.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai, she said, “I can never understand his (Raut’s) language. But I will only say this much that someone who goes for a picnic does not hold conferences and meetings daily from 6 am to 11 pm to bring investment to India and Maharashtra, and boost employment.”
She also defended the significance of the WEF, describing it as a key international platform for global engagement. "I believe it is the duty of every state’s leadership to participate and represent their state,” she added.
Fadnavis is attending the WEF annual meeting in Davos after departing on Sunday. The chief minister has recently been credited with steering the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to a strong showing in Maharashtra’s municipal corporation elections. The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, winning 89 seats. (With inputs from TOI)
