Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday likened the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project to a "white elephant", saying a decision on it will be taken after he is convinced it will boost industrial development of the state. In the second part of his interview to Shiv Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', Thackeray said the state -- currently ruled by the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi alliance comprising the Sena, NCP and Congress -- was not getting its "rightful share" of central funds which could be utilised for helping farmers.

The Sena president also said the farm loan waiver scheme announced by his government will be rolled out from next month, and assured that not a single industry will be allowed to move out of the state. Referring to the Centre's ambitious bullet train project, which has faced stiff opposition from farmers and tribals whose lands are to be acquired, Thackeray said there should be a comprehensive discussion on its viability. "Who will benefit from the bullet train? How will trade and industry in Maharashtra get a boost because of it?