Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Five CMs vie to woo investors

Bengaluru: While Chief Ministers from over 13 states were expected to take part in the Pravasi Bharath Divas, only four - from Assam, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Puducherry, turned up. Each of them tried to project the resources of their respective states had and tried to woo the Indian diaspora. 

In his address, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal tried to highlight the connectivity his state has on offer. He said, “Assam is connected to all major cities of the country through East-West corridor, air and rail network. The state is strategically emerging as a base for foreign and domestic investors.”

He also highlighted the attractions in wildlife, adventure and eco-tourism potential of his state. 

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh highlighted on the abundance of power supply in the state. “Unlike other states in India, we do not have any curtailment of power. This gives us an edge over other states,” he said.  He brushed aside concerns regarding the security threat posed by Naxalites and emphasized that investors need not worry on this issue. When Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's turn came, he emphasized on various proposed infrastructure projects to woo investors. 

“The proposed Chennai Bengaluru Chitradurga Industrial Corridor (CBCIC) and Bengaluru-Mumbai Economic Corridor, will not only improve the growing regional significance of the Bengaluru industrial and trade and commerce cluster, but benefit industrially backward districts in north Karnataka,” he said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that out of the total FDI invests in India last year his state was able to attract over 50 per cent.

“Ten smart cities are coming up in our state. We are taking all measures to boost the infrastructure,” he added.  The last speaker Puducherry Chief Minister Narayana Swamy was hard pressed for time and had to finish his address in few minutes. 

He said, “I can give all the investors an assurance which other CMs do not have the privilege to offer. I request you to look at the best law and order system in Puducherry and invest.”

While chief minister Siddaramaiah ended his speech by laying emphasis on the tourism potential of the state, his Puducherry counterpart said, “I like to thank Mr Siddaramaiah, as most of the tourists who come to Puducherry are indeed from Karnataka.” 

It evoked widespread laughter among the delegatesn During his address, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the recent issues relating to molestation during New Year’s Eve is being viewed seriously by his government. 

“There is no question of protecting any. Our government is set to protect women and the culprits will be nabbed. We are taking steps to increase the rate of conviction.”