Maharashtra: Subhash Desai vs Narayan Rane on inviting CM for inauguration of Chipi airport

Desai’s announcement comes a day after Rane said that while the airport will be inaugurated on October 9, it was not necessary to invite Thackeray for the same. “It is not necessary that the CM must remain present. The minister concerned, Jyotiraditya Scindia, is going to be there, so it is not required that the CM should be present,” Rane had said on Tuesday.

Last month, Rane was arrested by the Maharashtra Police for threatening to “slap” Thackeray.

Desai, however, highlighted the work done by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in executing the project. “For this project, the MIDC acquired 286 hectare of land… invited proposals for building a Rs 520-crore airport. The MIDC also undertook works to ensure water supply as well as build roads and projection wall and spent Rs 14 crore on it,” he said.

Calling the industries department the “owner” of the project and “host” of the event, Desai said that the project will give a boost to Konkan and to tourism in the region. Asked if Rane will be invited, Desai said, “I do not know. So far, I have not received any proposal on the same.”