Maharashtra Navnirman Sena

Greetings and Jai Maharashtra !

I am writing to you, to draw your attention to a rather sensitive matter; keeping in mind the present and future of not only the Konkan region but our entire Maharashtra state. You are the chief leader of our state and hence, I appeal to you, to give this matter a serious thought.

Nature has bestowed unparalleled beauty on our Konkan region, which is unique to that region and there can be no debate on this topic. All other tourist spots and places are limited in this aspect, as they have their particular season only to bloom and showcase their natural beauty. Whereas, in the case of Konkan, nature has given it timeless beauty and it shines through all the seasons of the year. This distinctive characteristic can be the very backdrop for reviving our tourism and thus giving my Konkan people an opportunity to better their lives. Whenever, I hear that Konkan is being planned to be made on the lines of California, I am baffled. In reality, the Konkan region doesn’t require to be modelled on any other parameter. On the contrary, the Konkan region stands out as a unique region with its unmatched natural beauty and the entire world can draw inspiration to model their places based on this. I genuinely feel that the time has come to give this a serious thought in its entirety.

Whilst nature has bestowed so much natural beauty to the Konkan region, this region also stands out as a cultural seat and most of our outstanding personalities that are the true treasures of our country are from this region. In most of my speeches, I have gone on record to state, that if one maps out the geographic boundaries of the Konkan coastline, then this region has gifted us 7 Bharat Ratnas, out of these 4 are from Dapoli itself.

Though, this region is so gifted, the Konkani youth find themselves lost and in a dismal state of mind. For jobs and their daily livelihood, they have to turn towards Mumbai and Pune. In actuality, tourism can change this entire scenario. However, this thought process was not carried through methodically. There was a ray of hope that a big project would come and turn things around, unfortunately it did not materialize.

Presently, there is one opportunity knocking at the door. The coronavirus backdrop has altered our perspective and the real context of situations. There is a serious contest on to get investments into states and the country. Sometime ago, I read that a major international project was passed onto Bengaluru and the Maharashtra state government was trying its best to get it back. This piece of news was rather heartbreaking. The other states are in a cut throat game of snatching projects out of Maharashtra. In such trying times, Maharashtra should not let go off the ‘Ratnagiri Rajapur Refinery’ project. This is a massive project of nearly three lac crores. We surely cannot afford to lose this project to another state.

There was an opposition to this project from a few resident locals. Their resistance was justified. Their fear was based on the fact that the land plots can go into the hands of outsiders. This fear was justified to a certain degree at that time. There was uncertainty over the issue regarding, where would the Konkan people stand when new job opportunities would open up. A few environmentalists were of the opinion that this project would destroy the natural habitat of Konkan. All this had led to the locals being wary of this project. There was also the matter of a few temples there. What would happen to these temples? These questions, these fears and uncertainty are justified. But, today it is imperative we find a definitive and appropriate solution for these issues.

I agree that keeping these issues and predicament of the locals in mind, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and other political parties had offered support to the local residents. But, today times have changed and the situation demands a radical and progressive approach. The present situation is such, that Maharashtra cannot afford to let go off any new project or a project that can bring in foreign investments. If we let this happen, we will lose our status of being a pioneer state in the industrial growth of our country.

Today, the entire state of affairs have undergone a huge change after coronavirus and the subsequent lockdowns. So many of our youth stand unemployed. Our system and governance is facing a tremendous financial strain. Now is the time to safeguard our state, we need to change our perspective and look at the industrial sector and projects in a new light.

With these new projects, there will be new employment generated. The state government will have to stipulate and convey to the investing companies that the Konkani locals and as a result the citizens of Maharashtra should get preference for these jobs. Also, due to this project, the subsidiary industries that would come up, even there the same rule would apply; preference to youth of Konkan region for job allocation and also majority of the employment generated should benefit the youth of Konkan. For this, the required training and testing should be looked into.

The environmental issues, I surely do understand. So regarding the technical issues, experts need to be called in and with their help and inputs, an appropriate solution needs to be worked out. During the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project, I had called upon the eminent nuclear physicist, Shri Anil Kakodkar to voice my concerns and eventually it resulted in alleviating my fears and gave me a holistic perspective of the matter. In the same manner, experts need to be called in for the Konkan project and all the concerns and issues pertaining to this project need to be elucidated. It must be ensured that the Konkan environment issues are not compromised and a methodical solution is reached upon.

In the prevalent times, it is imperative and logical to embrace all those opportunities that generate employment and self employment. Keeping this in mind, the youth of Konkan need to take an initiative and rise to the occasion. They are blessed with innate intelligence and the capacity to go ahead. I have immense faith that they will not let go off this golden opportunity. If anyone tries to cross their path or put hurdles in their progress, then they should be prepared to face the wrath of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

The state government needs to take on a responsible role and with the consensus of the pertaining experts should inculcate the advantages of this project into the minds of the locals. Whilst doing this, the government should not take a hostile stand but take a holistic approach and reach out to the locals.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, it is possible to place an unique development model in front of the world. Seldom does destiny gives rise to such a golden opportunity. Let’s not lose it. This is my heartfelt appeal. Such a project is not just going to benefit the Konkan region but the entire Maharashtra stands to gain.

The Konkan region is the cradle of an immense blessing from the nature and bio diversity. This legacy stands out as our country’s pride. The Gadgil committee has elucidated in its report how the balance between nature and development can be maintained and how the tourism industry can bloom without damaging or playing truant with the environment. There is a tremendous scope for industrial growth which can benefit the youth of Konkan and all this can be achieved without causing harm to the environment. The state government needs to formulate a plan keeping all these points in mind.

If the government decides to take an affirmative and positive approach in this matter, then my party and I will surely stand in full support and cooperation. Not only will we support you but also contribute by chalking out a comprehensive blueprint for the development of environment and tourism and submit it to you.

I hope that you will give a serious thought to what I have written and take the appropriate decision for the long term welfare of our state.

It is the need of the hour to place Maharashtra on the path to progression and that should be made our priority. Let anybody say, what they like; Maharashtra First’ should be our guiding light.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Humbly yours,
Raj Thackeray