26 January,2026 12:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat. Pic/X
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat on Monday said the state has consistently remained at the forefront in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), emerging as a trusted destination for global investors, reported news agency PTI.
Addressing the state on the occasion of Republic Day, the governor said Maharashtra has set an ambitious target of becoming a trillion-dollar economy and is progressing steadily towards establishing itself as the leading state in the country.
"Maharashtra is the leading state in roads, railways, ports, energy and digital connectivity. It plays a leadership role at the national level in agriculture, industry, trade and transport. Mumbai has played a decisive role in the economic development of the state," Devvrat said, describing the city as India's financial capital and a vital link connecting the country to the global economy, reported PTI.
He noted that cities such as Pune, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are rapidly emerging as centres of education, industry, information technology and innovation, contributing to the state's balanced and inclusive development.
The governor also said Maharashtra has taken a leading position in cybersecurity in the digital era, adding that the enterprise and hard work of its citizens remain the state's greatest strength. He described Maharashtra as a powerful engine of India's economic growth, with its saintly traditions, social awareness and rich cultural heritage forming a distinct identity, reported PTI.
Citing the state's geographical and strategic advantages, Devvrat said Maharashtra is exceptionally well-suited for industrial development. Robust infrastructure, a skilled workforce and stable policies have made it a preferred investment destination, he added.
"Along with India, Maharashtra too is moving rapidly towards development, good governance and self-reliance. Through the collective efforts of the government and society, the resolve of an Atmanirbhar Maharashtra is taking shape," he said, reported PTI.
Emphasising democratic values, the governor said the success of democracy depends on a strong bond of trust between the government and the people, and called for strengthening democratic institutions through unity, fraternity and active citizen participation.
He observed that India's democratic system is not only the largest in the world but also among the most value-based, with a three-tier governance structure at the Centre, state and local self-government levels aimed at ensuring service delivery to the last citizen.
Devvrat said democracy in India is deeply rooted in its civilisational ethos, noting that centuries before Europe's Magna Carta, Guru Basaveshwara had established the âAnubhava Mantapa' as a forum for democratic deliberation, often regarded as India's first parliament.
"Republic Day reminds us of the greatness of our Constitution. It is an occasion to express gratitude to the chief architect of the Constitution, Dr B. R. Ambedkar, and all members of the Constituent Assembly for their invaluable contribution," he said, reported PTI.
Recalling Dr Ambedkar's vision, the governor said that while India achieved political independence, freedom from social inequality was equally essential. The Constitution, therefore, guarantees not only political equality but also social and economic justice. He added that fraternity remains indispensable for sustaining liberty and equality, and that despite differences of opinion, democracy thrives as long as the spirit of fraternity endures.
(With inputs from PTI)
