Mahayuti Ready for 'Flight and Fight,' Says Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde During First Landing at Navi Mumbai International Airport

Bolstered by the historic victory of partner BJP in the Haryana assembly polls, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared his ruling alliance Mahayuti ready for both "flight and fight" in the election-bound state on Friday, October 11.

Addressing the media after witnessing the trial landing of an IAF aircraft at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport at Ulwe in adjoining Raigad district, he said his government was making efforts to start commercial operations from the airport ahead of the stated deadline of March 31, 2025. Shine is leading a tripartite coalition government comprising his party, Shiv Sena, the BJP and the NCP led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Also Read | Navi Mumbai Airport Runway Test: IAF Successfully Conducts its First-Ever Trial Take-Off and Landing In CM Eknath Shinde's Presence (Watch Video).

Maharashtra | At the inaugural landing of IAF C-295 at Navi Mumbai International Airport, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says "We are ready for the flight as well as for the fight. We do what we say, we don't say what won't happen, let's see what happens in future. Our work is done… pic.twitter.com/suNIcNYSDg

— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2024

"Today, an Indian Air Force C295 aircraft made a successful test landing at the runway at the Navi Mumbai International Airport. We are ready for both flight and fight," Shinde said in an apparent reference to the state assembly elections which may be announced any day now. The transport carrier C295 landed at the Southern runway 26 at 12.14 pm, according to the airport operator, marking a significant milestone.

#WATCH | Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says, "It is a historic day. IAF's C-295 aircraft landed here and there was flypast by Sukhoi fighter aircraft. This is a huge achievement. Before March, regular and commercial flights will begin from here (Navi Mumbai airport). It will… pic.twitter.com/9bDJK0wXsr

— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2024

A water canon salute was accorded to the aircraft. The airport, being developed by the Adani Group, is expected to start commercial operations early next year. The chief minister said the greenfield Navi Mumbai airport will be a high capacity one and feature among one of the big aviation facilities in the country.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Inaugural landing of IAF C-295 takes place at Navi Mumbai International airport. The Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft landed at the airport for a trial run on the runway.

CM Eknath Shinde and others present here.

(Video: ANI/Maharashtra CMO) pic.twitter.com/4LtDGyfEQ6

— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2024

Terming the facility as a big gift to people, Shinde said once it is commissioned, the congestion at the busy Mumbai airport will ease considerably, he emphasised. Due to the construction of the 21.8-km-long 6-lane sea bridge Atal Setu, the upcoming airport has become close to both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, he pointed out.

The iconic sea bridge, inaugurated in January this year, starts at Sewri in Navi Mumbai and concludes at Chirle village near 
Nhava Sheva in Raigad district. Early this week, the BJP scored a remarkable victory in Haryana, winning 48 of the 90 assembly seats. Overcoming ten years of anti-incumbency, the party romped home for a third consecutive term. Elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly are likely to be held next month.