Sharad Pawar had suggested better connectivity between Nagpur and Mumbai: Devendra Fadnavis

“Pawar always stressed on using sophisticated technology of Israel for farmers of the state. His early works in this regard was very helpful for the BJP government as well,” Fadnavis said.

The 700-km-long Samrrudhi Mahamarg or the super communication expressway will pass through ten districts connecting Nagpur in east Maharashtra with Mumbai. It will have direct connectivity with the country’s largest container port – JNPT, which is expected to enhance EXIM (export-import) trade of the state.

However, farmers in some districts are opposing the acquisition of their land for the ambitious project. Parties like the Shiv Sena, NCP, Congress, the Communist Party of India have backed the farmers.

“Vidarbha region had faced some issues with thermal power plants as well. The investment that went into setting up the thermal power plants had been shown as an investment in industries. It was Pawar who brought it up and pointed out the injustice done to Vidarbha region,” said the chief minister.

Deshmukh, 90, who represents Sangola seat in Solapur district, has won Assembly elections 11 times.

Pawar (76), often referred to as the ‘Maratha stongman’ by his friends and rivals, plunged into politics as a grassroots worker in home turf Baramati in western Maharashtra in 1960s. He completed his half-a-century in electoral politics in February this year.