Maharashtra drought, Gujarat featured prominently

Raj Thackeray disclosure of details about his meeting with Ratan Tata comes at a time when he has decided to consolidate MNS' position across the state, to assume power on its own

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, is presently in the midst of preparation of a blueprint for Maharashtra. Recently he discussed with Tata Group emeritus chairman Ratan Tata the group's involvement in the exploitation of state's 720 km coast line.

Besides, development of tourism in the Konkan region, construction of hotels and resorts in Tadoba sanctuary which can not only generate jobs but also help reduce poaching cases came up for discussion.  
 
Raj and Tata met on March 8 and discussed severe drought conditions prevailing in 126 talukas of 16 districts in Maharashtra. Raj is also believed to have discussed Tata Group's cooperation to MNS in social activities.

More importantly, the pace of development achieved by neighbouring Gujarat during the chief ministership of Narendra Modi also dominated the meeting. Raj, who enjoys good rapport with Modi, was present for the latter's swearing in ceremony held in December.

He had also visited Gujarat in August 2011 and visited urban development projects in different cities and how state and local authorities have executed them without any major controversies.  The Gujarat's mention was quite obvious as Tata Group after withdrawal from Singur had set up Nano manufacturing plant in a record time.

Raj today informed that "I and Ratan Tata discussed problems faced by Maharashtra including drought and the developed made by Gujarat. I have suggested the Tata Group to build resort in Tadoba sanctuary in Bidarbha as that will help control poaching of tigers. Besides, Tata Group can develop projects in Konkan region which will work as anchor to other investments."

 
In Konkan, five-star hotels can generate jobs and revenue for locals.

Raj has indicated that his Maharashtra blueprint would focus on issues like jobs, power, water supply, agriculture, roads and security for women in local trains.

Disclosure of details about his meeting with Ratan Tata by Raj comes at a time when he has decided to consolidate MNS position across Maharashtra to assume power on its own. Further, Raj has declared not to join Shiv Sena, BJP and RPI to forge a Maha Alliance in a bid to defeat the Congress-NCP alliance during 2014 assembly elections.

The timing is also significant when MNS decided to pursue its own strategy without aligning with the Shiv Sena and BJP in the state legislature during the budget session beginning Monday.

MNS group leader in the state assembly told Business Standard "The meeting between our party chief and Ratan Tata is definitely an honour for every party member. How to expedite Maharashtra's progress dominated discussion. Tata Group's involvement is quite crucial."