Republic Day 2026: Maharashtra leads in FDI inflows, trusted destination for global investors, says Governor

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 PTIAddressing the state on the occasion of Republic Day the governor said Maharashtra has set an ambitious target of becoming a trilliondollar economy and is progressing steadily towards establishing itself as the leading state in the countryMaharashtra 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 Indiarsquos financial capital and a vital link connecting the country to the global economy reported PTICities beyond Mumbai emerge as growth and innovation hubsHe 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 statersquos balanced and inclusive developmentCybersecurity leadership and strategic advantages highlightedThe 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 statersquos greatest strength He described Maharashtra as a powerful engine of Indiarsquos economic growth with its saintly traditions social awareness and rich cultural heritage forming a distinct identity reported PTICiting the statersquos geographical and strategic advantages Devvrat said Maharashtra is exceptionally wellsuited for industrial development Robust infrastructure a skilled workforce and stable policies have made it a preferred investment destination he addedPush towards Atmanirbhar Maharashtra and good governanceAlong with India Maharashtra too is moving rapidly towards development good governance and selfreliance Through the collective efforts of the government and society the resolve of an Atmanirbhar Maharashtra is taking shape he said reported PTIGovernor underscores democracy Constitution and Ambedkarrsquos visionEmphasising 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 participationHe observed that Indiarsquos democratic system is not only the largest in the world but also among the most valuebased with a threetier governance structure at the Centre state and local selfgovernment levels aimed at ensuring service delivery to the last citizenDevvrat said democracy in India is deeply rooted in its civilisational ethos noting that centuries before Europersquos Magna Carta Guru Basaveshwara had established the lsquoAnubhava Mantaparsquo as a forum for democratic deliberation often regarded as Indiarsquos first parliamentRepublic 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 PTIRecalling Dr Ambedkarrsquos 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 enduresWith inputs from PTI