Nagpur: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday dismissed claims that the reported closure of 36,211 companies reflected an industrial decline in the state, saying the parliamentary figures had been “conveniently interpreted” and did not present the complete picture.In a detailed response addressed to NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on ‘X’, the CM said the data cited in Parliament had been selectively interpreted by political leaders and sections of the media, creating an incorrect impression that industries were shutting down across Maharashtra.“76% companies classified as closed are defunct ones that never even started operations,” he said. He added another 12% of such companies had ceased to exist because of amalgamations, while 2% had been liquidated.The CM urged people to refer to the complete data available on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website, saying parliamentary replies provide limited information unless accompanied by detailed discussion. “This information is transparently available to every citizen,” he said.Fadnavis said India currently has more than 31 lakh registered companies, of which 21.18 lakh are active, compared with 6.79 lakh in 2015-16, indicating that the number of active industries had more than tripled over the past decade.Citing official figures as of June 3, 2026, he said Maharashtra remained the country’s leading industrial state with 3.96 lakh active companies, followed by Delhi (2.72 lakh) and Uttar Pradesh (1.85 lakh).The Southwest Nagpur MLA also said Maharashtra continued to lead the country in new company registrations. During 2025-26, the state registered 41,525 companies, ahead of Uttar Pradesh (27,494), Delhi (20,272), Karnataka (17,857), Telangana (17,300), Tamil Nadu (17,024), Gujarat (14,666) and West Bengal (10,598).On the issue of company closures, Fadnavis said, excluding the Covid-19 period, 20,000 to 22,000 companies are struck off or closed annually across the country. He noted the ministry of corporate affairs had undertaken a special drive during 2019-20 that resulted in nearly 6 lakh inactive companies being struck off from official records.Pawar on Friday urged the Maharashtra govt to act immediately to address infrastructure deficiencies in Chakan industrial belt in Pune, warning the reported decision of 20 companies to relocate could threaten jobs and weaken the state’s industrial competitiveness.The NCP patriarch said MP Rajabhau Waje sought information on Maharashtra’s industrial sector in Parliament, to which Union minister of state for corporate affairs Harsh Malhotra replied that 36,211 private companies had closed in the state over the past five years. He questioned the absence of official data on employment impact of those closures.Addressing concerns over Chakan industrial area, Fadnavis acknowledged that infrastructure issues existed and said industries minister Uday Samant had been asked to oversee corrective measures. He said MIDC convened a coordination meeting on August 12 involving the district administration, public works department, PMRDA, National Highways Authority of India and other agencies, where both short-term and long-term action plans were finalised.“Our effort will be that not a single industry leaves Chakan,” the CM said, adding that Maharashtra remained an industry-friendly state and continued to attract the highest foreign investment in the country.Key Takeways36,211 companies: Figure cited in Parliament that sparked political debate.76%: “Closed” companies defunct, never commenced operations.12%: Companies ceased due to amalgamation (mergers).2%: Companies were liquidated21.18 lakh: Active companies in India as of June 3, 2026.6.79 lakh: Active companies in 2015-16, showing more than threefold growth.3.96 lakh: Active companies in Maharashtra, the highest among states.41,525: New companies registered in Maharashtra during 2025-26, topping India.6 lakh: Inactive companies struck off nationwide during the MCA’s 2019-20 special drive.Chakan: State promises short- and long-term measures to retain industries.
