Opposition Criticizes MahaYuti Over Maharashtra's GDP Decline

As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections, the political landscape is heating up with the opposition targeting the ruling MahaYuti government. The focus of their criticism is the alarming decline in Maharashtra's share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the rise of Gujarat in terms of per capita income. A recent report from the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council has revealed that Maharashtra's GDP share has dropped from 15.2% in 2010-11 to just 13.3% in 2023-24. This decline has raised serious concerns among political leaders and citizens alike.

In the past two decades, Gujarat has seen a significant increase in its relative per capita income, now standing at 160.7% of the national average, compared to Maharashtra's 150.7%. This shift has prompted leaders like Sharad Pawar, the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), to voice their worries about the state's financial health and its diminishing status among Indian states. Pawar emphasized that the current government has mismanaged funds intended for the poor, leading to a detrimental impact on the most vulnerable sections of society.

Pawar's statements reflect a broader sentiment of discontent regarding the government's handling of economic issues. He pointed out that Maharashtra, once a leader in economic performance, has fallen out of the top five states in terms of GDP contribution. He argued that the government has ignored necessary steps to bolster the economy, suggesting that a change in leadership may be the only solution to reverse the state's fortunes.

Adding to the criticism, Jayant Patil, another prominent NCP leader and former finance minister, attributed Maharashtra's economic struggles to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He claimed that since 2014, the BJP has been in power and has failed to prevent the diversion of industries and trade to Gujarat, which has seen its GDP share rise to over 8.1%. Patil's remarks highlight a growing frustration among opposition leaders who believe that the current administration is responsible for the state's economic decline.

In response to the opposition's claims, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske defended the MahaYuti government, arguing that the report from the Economic Advisory Council actually highlights the previous government's inefficacy. He pointed out that during Uddhav Thackeray's leadership, Maharashtra's GDP share was 13% in 2020-21, which increased to 13.3% under the current administration. Mhaske's defense suggests that the opposition may be misinterpreting the data to serve their political agenda.

Despite Mhaske's attempts to downplay the report's findings, the opposition is likely to continue its campaign against the government, especially given the state's fiscal deficit, which has surpassed Rs 2 lakh crore, and a debt burden exceeding Rs 7.82 lakh crore. These figures raise critical questions about the sustainability of the government's populist schemes, such as the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which aim to win over voters but may be straining the state's finances.

As the election approaches, the debate over Maharashtra's economic performance is set to intensify. Voters will need to consider the implications of these economic trends and the effectiveness of the current government in addressing the challenges facing the state. The outcome of this political battle could significantly shape Maharashtra's future, making it essential for citizens to stay informed and engaged in the electoral process.