Another Letter to the CM

To
Chief Minister
Maharashtra State

Dear Sir,
Firstly, congratulations on your trip to Davos to participate in the world economic forum as ‘chosen’ by the Prime Minister of India. I understand that you are trying hard to woo businessmen and investors to invest in Maharashtra. The task is not a mean one. Apart from other states who are spreading a red carpet for businesses, you have to compete with Gujarat which is backed by ‘High Command’. (Understanding that you have soft corner for Vidharbha, the fight is three cornered depending on the way one looks at it).  I thought of writing this letter, with the intention of helping you bring (back) business to Maharashtra.
There are number of compelling reasons why businesses should invest in Maharashtra. More particularly, vis-à-vis Gujarat. Allow me to list a few of them along with a few suggestions that would help you to woo investors.

1. The most notable and visible opposition in the state is now part of government and hence there is no threat from them. 
2. The second most influential political party has offered ‘unconditional’ support to the government and even otherwise can be ‘managed’. Hence no threat from them as well.
3. Since ‘you’ are closer to the command and control center at Nagpur, any possible threat emanating can be neutralized.
4. Maharashtra has the highest number of engineering graduates who are not willing to leave the comfort of their homes. So you get extra-qualified talent at lower cost.
5. Maharashtrians are brave and known for their ‘fighting spirit’. They carry a legacy of 700 years (well, at least 400). This will help businesses when they have to fight (and I mean literally) competitors for market share and closing their units etc.  Though Maharashtra has tough competition in this regard from Haryana, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu etc.; it’s comparatively much better than Gujarat. Additionally, Maharashtra still has strong unions which will come handy in ‘crisis’ situations for businesses when they have to sabotage competitors. 
6. Maharashtra is not a ‘dry state’ unlike Gujarat. So businessmen and executives can party hard, besides helping the laborers and the work force.  Please highlight this as the most important distinction.
7. Unlike Gujarat, Maharashtra has a large population (and legacy) of non-vegetarians. Please invite businessmen to try ‘tambda rassa’, ‘pandhra rassa’ and other delicious recipes to prove a point. I am sure you would have to woo no more! 
8. There are a lot of businesses who have left the state in recent past (well, to Gujarat). The talent and infrastructure they left behind can be used effectively. 
9. Maharashtrians, by nature are not good businessmen. Gujarathis are. So businesses do not run a risk of creating competitors over period of time as unlike Gujarat. 
10. Industrial progress in Maharashtra has happened in spite of political patronage, unlike Gujarat. So the fundamentals are strong and political push will help it grow. 
11. Lastly, Mumbai is (still) in Maharashtra!

I hope, these and other points will help you bring more businesses to the state. The only dilemma I have is – If you genuinely play your cards, will you continue to remain the CM? :). Especially when it looks to be a ‘fixed’ match!

Jai Maharashtra.