Maharashtra deputy CM calls on PM Modi, discusses state projects and farmer assistance

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Saturday to discuss the state’s ongoing development initiatives and the recent flood situation affecting farmers. The meeting coincided with the festive occasion of Diwali, during which Shinde extended greetings to the Prime Minister.

Following the meeting, Shinde said that PM Modi assured continued central government support and reviewed progress on development projects launched over the past three years. “It was a visit on the occasion of Diwali, and I am thankful that he took time out for me. During the meeting, we discussed the development of Maharashtra. The Prime Minister reviewed the progress of projects launched over the past three years and expressed concern about the flood situation affecting farmers, assuring continued central support,” Shinde stated.

Shinde highlighted several key development initiatives in Maharashtra, including infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway (Samruddhi Mahamarg), the Goregaon–Bhandup and Thane–Borivali tunnels, the Coastal Road project, the Navi Mumbai International Airport, and the Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Phase 2B). He also referred to healthcare and education expansions, including 10 new government medical colleges inaugurated in 2024, and the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS), Mumbai. Renewable energy initiatives, including the establishment of five solar parks under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 and solar power generation along the Samruddhi Mahamarg expressway, were also discussed.

The meeting also focused on the recent floods affecting farmers in the Marathwada region. In past flood events, Maharashtra has witnessed significant agricultural and infrastructural damage, including over 2 lakh hectares of crops affected in 2021. The state government responded with a ₹31,628 crore relief package, which includes ₹47,000 per hectare in cash assistance, employment support under NREGA, loan waivers, soil restoration, and rural infrastructure development. Shinde briefed PM Modi on these measures and the ongoing compensation process, emphasizing efforts to provide timely relief before the Diwali festival.

Shinde reaffirmed his confidence in the NDA’s prospects in Bihar, citing PM Modi’s “tireless work” for the state’s development and the public’s trust in the alliance. The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the unity of NDA constituent parties and described PM Modi as “not just the Prime Minister but also the head of the NDA family.”

Shinde shared details of his visit on X, stating that he presented PM Modi with a shawl, a bouquet, and a statue of Sant Tukaram Maharaj, and discussed various topics related to governance and party unity. PM Modi reciprocated with Diwali greetings for Shinde and his family.

Meanwhile, PM Modi is scheduled to visit poll-bound Bihar on October 30, 2025, to attend programmes in Muzaffarpur and Chhapra, following previous visits to Samastipur and Begusarai. The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results declared on November 14. The main contest is between the NDA, comprising BJP, JD(U), LJP(RV), HAM(S), and RLM, and the Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD, including Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM, and VIP. Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj has also claimed all 243 seats in the state.

The discussions between Shinde and PM Modi are expected to accelerate development projects in Maharashtra, ensure coordinated disaster management, and enhance support for farmers, reflecting a continued collaboration between the central and state governments.