Maharashtra CM Responds to “Picnic” Remark on Davos Visit; Amruta Fadnavis, Then CM, Defend Trip

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has responded to criticism over his participation in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut, had sarcastically referred to the visit as a “picnic” for chief ministers meeting Indian companies abroad.

Fadnavis’ wife, Amruta Fadnavis, had earlier countered the remarks, emphasizing the importance of the trip for Maharashtra and India’s economic development. “A picnic is something one enjoys with family, but in Davos, our family—the state of Maharashtra—is working,” she said. Amruta highlighted that attending global conferences is crucial for Indian states to attract investment, expand networking opportunities, and open new economic doors.

Sanjay Raut Criticism and Response
Sanjay Raut had demanded disclosure of the expenses incurred by state leaders traveling to Davos and described the visit as frivolous. Responding to this, Amruta Fadnavis stated, “I have never understood his language, but if someone calls it a picnic, then clearly they have not witnessed that from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the CM attends sessions and meetings aimed at bringing investment and creating jobs in Maharashtra. His statement, like many others, is baseless.”

Interestingly, when CM Fadnavis arrived in Davos, Raut had earlier expressed pride as a Marathi leader at his welcome, writing, “Has Fadnavis’ Delhi visit begun?”

CM Fadnavis Clarifies Objectives in Davos
Speaking to India Today, CM Fadnavis clarified that the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with Indian companies in Davos were aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), with company shareholders often wanting to be present at the discussions. Addressing media questions on signing MoUs with Indian companies abroad, he said such meetings are entirely legitimate and essential.

Fadnavis highlighted that Maharashtra secured investment agreements worth over ₹30 lakh crore in Davos, which are expected to generate around 40 lakh new jobs. These agreements involve investors and companies from 18 countries, marking a significant milestone for the state’s economic growth.