Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday (May 22, 2026) outlined a holistic vision for Maharashtra’s infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of projects in Maoist-affected areas. Speaking at The Hindu’s flagship ‘Maharashtra Infrastructure Conclave 2026’, he said, “Surjagadh in Gadchiroli is as important to me as Mumbai,” while shedding light on the government’s rehabilitation strategy for Maoist-affected areas.

The session, “Mumbai to Surjagadh: Expressway to Prosperity”, was moderated by Vinaya Deshpande, Chief of the Bureau, Maharashtra, The Hindu. In an hour-long conversation, Mr. Shinde spoke on infrastructure, the development of backward districts, and the political landscape in the State.

The Mahayuti government’s monthly aid programme, the Ladki Bahin Yojana, will not be halted at any cost, he said, adding that it had given financial independence to poor and marginalised women, giving a boost to the local economy.

Rehabilitation steps

“The distance between Mumbai and Surjagadh in Gadchiroli district is around 1,000 km. In the last four years, we reduced that distance — not just on the map, but in our hearts,” Mr. Shinde said. Recalling his tenure as Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli during the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, he added, “No one wanted to take responsibility for Gadchiroli. When the government launched its programmes, there was violence.”

Mr. Shinde said he spoke directly with the Maoists. “We understood that rehabilitation must be proper, not temporary. That is when many Naxals surrendered,” he said, pointing to a cluster-based development approach covering multiple villages hit by left-wing extremism. “If more development projects are added and people get jobs in Gadchiroli, Maoism will reduce.”

The Deputy Chief Minister further said he celebrated Deepavali with security personnel in Gadchiroli despite threats. “Development is not about factories or roads. It is about people. We need to connect with people. Build roads today so dreams can reach tomorrow,” he said, adding that Gadchiroli will get an airport after land acquisition is completed and that the Samruddhi Expressway will bring the district into the mainstream.

On politics

When asked about speculations on internal tussles within the ruling Mahayuti over the seat-distribution formula for the upcoming Legislative Council elections, he said an understanding will be reached soon. When asked about the expectations of Shiv Sena in the anticipated Cabinet reshuffle at the Centre, he said that the party is an important National Democratic Alliance partner, and does not have any expectations of Ministerial berth.

“Shiv Sena does not expect anything from the Cabinet reshuffle. We do not bargain with Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi. Modiji is a leader. We are happy with our ideology.”

On the Ladki Bahin Yojana, the Deputy Chief Minister said: “We have given rights to women who have started small financial groups and taken up entrepreneurship. It will not stop.”

The event also featured panels on the Kumbh Mela, Mumbai’s expansion, and the maritime sector. Mr. Shinde’s session was the final discussion of the event.