Who is the ‘Booster’ that Fadnavis mentions?

CM Devendra Fadnavis with Dy CM Eknath Shinde flags off the trial run and technical inspection of Phase-1 of Mumbai Metro Route-9 on Wednesday. Pic: PTI

Mumbai: Amidst speculations about reunion of the estranged Thackeray and Pawar cousins, Fadnavis’ mention of possible ‘booster’ for the Mahayuti alliance in the state has raised many eyebrows. However, it appears that to know who is likely to be the booster for the ruling alliance, one is likely to have to wait and watch.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flagged off trial run of Mumbai Metro Line 9 from Dahisar to Kashigaon on Wednesday. In his speech after inspecting the newly built elevated road, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, the CM mentioned the ‘Booster’ for the ruling alliance which has led to more speculations. The CM said, “We three in Mahayuti are firmly together and we have set into motion the Development Express. No one can now lay speed breakers on its way. It’s a different thing if anyone wants to give a booster to it, but one thing is sure that there is no space for any speed breaker now.” This statement has now led to speculations about its underlying message.

After the SC decision on local body polls in the state, there has been a sudden increase in the political activities. After Raj Thackeray indicated that he is open to joining hands with Uddhav, Sharad Pawar’s statements fanned speculations on unification of the two factions of the NCP. Also, several local leaders have either joined or are in the process of joining the ruling alliance. On this backdrop Fadnavis’ mention of the ‘booster’ today is being interpreted as an indication of some big leader from the opposition might be joining the ruling alliance.

MNS Chief Raj Thackeray had a long meeting with industries minister Uday Samant on Tuesday. Raj had also had several meetings with DCM Shinde and CM Fadnavis in the recent past. It has also been speculated that he might join hands with the ruling alliance in the local body polls.

On the other hand NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil too is said to be in a queue to join the ruling alliance. Recently he had invited union minister Nitin Gadkari to inaugurate a hostel at his home town Islampur in Sangli district, which had fanned the speculations of him joining the BJP. Also, Sharad Pawar’s recent statements indication possible reunion of the two factions of the NCP, has strengthened the speculation.

On this backdrop, Fadnavis’ mention of the possible “booster” for the ruling alliance has created a new stir in the state politics.

Nobody can hamper development: Fadnavis

Thane: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday targeted the opposition parties, saying nobody can put a speed-breaker in the development works being carried out in the state by the three ruling parties of the Mahayuti government.

Speaking to reporters at Kashigaon, around 20 km from Thane city, he said the Kashigaon-Dahisar metro line is in the final stages of technical testing and will soon be opened to passengers, offering a significant boost to decongesting the Western Express Highway and providing much-needed relief to commuters.

Replying to a question about the Mahayuti allies, he said, "All three parties are together and we are running the state's development express in a speedy manner. No no one can put a speed-breaker in it. If they (opposition) want to give a booster, it is a different thing. There is no room for a speed-breaker here."

Describing metro rail as the "best medium" for urban transport, the CM said, "We have earlier started a few lines up to Andheri, and the launch of this phase will bring a much-need relief to commuters."

He emphasized the goal of achieving "seamless connectivity" along the Western Express Highway, from NS Bose Maidan to Bandra, with work progressing in various phases.

"The good thing about this project is that for the first time in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) a double-decker bridge is also being constructed in this phase. This innovative design will be particularly crucial for decongesting areas like Mira Bhayandar," he said.

Ambitious plans

The CM outlined ambitious plans for further expansion and said, "Soon, travel by metro up to Virar will be possible."

He stressed the importance of integrating various metro rail lines so that people get an end-to-end solution through this medium.

Lauding the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for initiating the project, the CM pledged to accelerate the pace of work.

"Henceforth, we will work with extra speed. This year 50 kilometres and next year 62 kilometres - we have decided to carry out works in such phases," he said.

He said his government was committed to completing the metro network works initiated since 2015.

"The major network which we started will be completed by the end of 2027. This is our aim, due to which people in Mumbai and the MMR will be most benefited for travel," he said.

A bullet train station is coming up near Vadhvan (in Palghar), Fadnavis said.

"We will be required to ensure integration with it. Planning in this regard is underway," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik were present on the occasion.