‘Development is not about factories or roads; we must connect with people’

Key points

• 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.