Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav now talks development

LUCKNOW: Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has hit upon the development agenda, two years into his tenure, to glue together his crumbling bastion in Uttar Pradesh. The Lok Sabha election results have birthed the state government’s first investor conclave, scheduled in the National Capital on June 12, ostensibly to highlight development work, showcase proposed mega projects seeking private investment and forge ties with top corporate houses.

However, the UP Government Investors’ Conclave comes in the backdrop of the Samajwadi Party’s rout, and may, not unnaturally, spawn some scepticism. An official who works closely with the CM admitted, “It will help us counter the development buzz that the BJP created about itself.”

The government claims to have secured participation of 59 investors, from India and abroad, along with diplomats from the embassies of Germany, Italy, Canada, Turkey, Taiwan and the Czech Republic.

Industrial & Infrastructure Development Commissioner Alok Ranjan was also vehement in his optimism, saying, “A lot is happening in UP, which is set to emerge as a manufacturing hub and food basket of the nation. The investor meet would help change the perception about UP and propound investor-friendly policies we have introduced.” “There has been frenetic activity in the Chief Minister’s Office ever since the poll process wound up. We have been able to finalise dates of the investor conclave within days of the polls coming to an end,” he added.

Manali Pigments MD Manmohan Agarwal makes a point, saying, "Organising this meet is important, as it will help UP attract attention at a time when most states are marketing themselves. But the state government should also work towards improving power and basic infrastructure, which alone can provide a basic environment for setting up new projects and overall development.”

State governments have been organising investment summits to attract domestic and foreign businesses by hardselling the advantages and offering competitive concessions. At least six states regularly hold such summits amid a lot of fanfare. The fact also remains that this is the first investors’ meet to be organised by the Uttar Pradesh government in the last seven years in which the chief minister would be participating.