Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Sanjay Nikam: Metropolis Post News Service): The 'Advantage Maharashtra Expo 2026' organized by 'Massia' in Shendra's Auric City, which began on January 8th, has been overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of the municipal elections. Due to the organizers' mismanagement, the money spent by the industries participating in this expo has been utterly wasted. Due to the lack of widespread publicity, the organizers are literally having to count the few people who are attending, let alone attracting a crowd. Although they are trying to claim, against all odds, that the expo is receiving a good response, the actual turnout has left the participating entrepreneurs worried. Only two days remain for the entrepreneurs – today and tomorrow (January 10th and 11th). The entrepreneurs are seen blaming the organizers.
The glamour expected of an industrial exhibition was not even visible at the inauguration. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and even the Industries Minister Uday Samant himself did not attend the inauguration. There is talk that the organizers failed to bring them. At the last minute, the inauguration was hastily conducted by Minister Atul Save, with Ministers Sanjay Shirsat and Dr. Bhagwat Karad in attendance. Even the inauguration had a meager crowd. The reason given is the lack of widespread publicity.
The organizers had promised to showcase the industrial development of Marathwada and to take local entrepreneurs to the national and international levels through this exhibition. Consequently, many entrepreneurs participated, spending lakhs of rupees. However, this exhibition seems to be only succeeding in filling MASSIA's coffers, while the entrepreneurs are facing disappointment.
Since Arjun Gaikwad's election as the president of MASSIA, he is not seen taking many people into confidence. There are allegations that he doesn't even listen to the senior members of the organization. Entrepreneurs are discussing that this is the reason behind the expo's fiasco. Two days of this four-day exhibition have already been wasted. The participating entrepreneurs have expressed their regret that the attendance of national and international buyers, representatives of large companies, and decision-making officials is extremely low, resulting in no tangible benefits.
Expo Sacrificed in the Shadow of ElectionsCurrently, election campaigns have begun in the district and the state. Everyone is busy with power equations. Industry, employment, and development are being viewed only at a declarative level. Because the MASSIA Expo was held amidst this political turmoil, the event is being completely neglected. Invited guests merely made a formal appearance and left. Some didn't even set foot in the expo again after the inauguration.
Industrialists' Money Wasted Like WaterIndustrialists have spent a large amount of money on various aspects of this expo, including stall rent, decoration, transportation, staff, and materials. However, they are worried that all this expenditure is going to waste due to the lack of expected response. While industries are already troubled by recession, debt, and market competition, this kind of unsuccessful event is adding insult to injury. Many industrialists have expressed their anger, stating that the government and organizations used them instead of providing them with a platform, and have blamed the organizers.
Lack of Planning in a Crucial Industrial Area like AURIC
AURIC City is the state's ambitious industrial concept. However, it has become clear that the planning for this mega-expo held there was extremely inadequate and careless. Transportation arrangements, publicity, coordination with the industrial sector, and international contacts all seem to exist only on paper. While the organizers are claiming that seminars, meetings, and visits to stalls are taking place on a large scale, the actual situation shows a very meager turnout for all these activities. Chief organizer Arjun Gaikwad has expressed the need to involve everyone and proceed with their trust in the future.
Whose responsibility is it?
The Expo could have been an opportunity in Marathwada's industrial history. However, due to showmanship, inadequate planning, and neglect of the real problems of the entrepreneurs, this event currently seems to be heading towards complete failure. The industries needed a platform, but due to negligence in planning and the arbitrary actions of the chief organizers, there are doubts about how entrepreneurs will view such initiatives in the future.
