Sink political differences and focus on growth of Konkan, says Sharad Pawar

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Friday asked political parties in adjoining Gujarat to sink their differences and come together on development issues and said this approach should be adopted in Maharashtra too.

"When it comes to development, all parties in Gujarat must sink their political differences and come together...If all MLAs from Konkan keep this in mind, the region's development will get expedited," he said.

Pawar was speaking after inaugurating the Global Konkan Mahotsav in sub-urban Mumbai. The event showcases the region's cultural and traditional heritage and seeks investment for its development.

The NCP President lamented that in Konkan, there is frequent opposition to development projects.

He said there is tremendous scope for educational activities, fishing, aqua culture, ornamental fisheries, horticulture and tourism in Konkan.

Tapping the potential of these avenues will create large-scale employment opportunities in the coastal zone of the state, the former Chief Minister maintained.

"Steps should be taken to set up a university for Konkan. The burden on Mumbai university is tremendous. If Konkan develops, the state's economy will also undergo a sea change," Pawar said.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said Konkan should make maximum use of the sea coast it has been blessed with.

"Opportunities in creating design and innovation hubs should also be tapped," he said.