Industrialists worried as Sambhaji Nagar becoming the epicentre of polarisation

Sambhaji Nagar: Violent clash on Wednesday night is a cause of worry for Industrialists of in Sambhaji Nagar, which is part of the golden quadrilateral of Maharashtra as they feel the city is becoming an epicentre of polarisation politics. This could affect investment and overall development of the city and Maharashtra will lose new investment to southern states.

Sambhaji Nagar is the fourth most important industrial growth city in Maharashtra after Mumbai, Pune and Nashik. The city and district are connected to northern Maharashtra and western Maharashtra and is the Marathwada region’s headquarters.

Mukund Kulkarni, who heads expert global solutions, expressed his concern over the social unrest in the city and warned that if it continues, the state will lose the new proposal to southern states.

“Sambhaji Nagar has about 4,000 MSME, large and Mega projects with an estimated turnover of ₹50,000 crore. The city also contributes ₹10,000 crore as GST and excise duty to state exchequer. However, this social unrest growing in Sambhaji Nagar is not good for the development of Industrial sector in city. Peace and social harmony are key factors in industrial growth,” said Kulkarni.

He added that any investor before making investment decision always ask for search report on social unrest, law and order. He also said that current situation in Sambhaji Nagar is cause of worry for Industrial sector.

Former chairman of Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce and Industries Mansing Pawar said Sambhaji Nagar is becoming the epicentre of political polarisation and it could affect investments.

“Besides infrastructure, educational institutes and hospitals social harmony is a key factor for industry. Unfortunately, Sambhaji Nagar has become epicenter of political polarisation on trial and error basis in Maharashtra. All political parties are responsible for this and all parties and leaders should come together to restore social harmony to ensure the development of city.” said Pawar.

Ram Bhogale a veteran industrialist also said that political polarisation in the city could affect industrial growth. “Due to spread of social media all consulates of different countries easily come to know about such social unrest and they inform their governments about this.” said Bhogale.

Union minister of state for finance Dr Bhagwat Karad accepted that social unrest in Sambhaji Nagar could affect investment in industrial sector of the city.

“BJP believes in Hindutva and will continue to fight for the cause in Sambhaji Nagar. But our Hindutva is not against any community. We want development and we are trying to restore peace in city. I am camping here for next two days to speak with all concerned to ensure social harmony,” said Karad. He added that city needs BJP in power in Sambhaji Nagar municipal corporation for the development of city.

The state government and Industries department have ambitious plans for Sambhaji Nagar with the development of a new MIDC in Shendra and Auric City as future’growth centre in Maharashtra.