Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, while addressing an investor meet in Ludhiana, said that India's economic strength has grown significantly, industrialisation has gained momentum, and the country has now become the fourth-largest economy in the world.
Calling Ludhiana the Manchester of India, he lauded the hard work of industrialists in the city and acknowledged globally recognised bicycle brands like A-One and Hero, manufactured in Ludhiana. He described Punjab’s industrialists as key drivers of India's economic growth.
During the session, Dr. Yadav announced that interactive discussions and one-on-one meetings held throughout the day resulted in investment proposals worth ₹15,606 crore, expected to create over 20,000 jobs.
Extending an invitation to entrepreneurs from Punjab, he encouraged them to set up industries in Madhya Pradesh and highlighted the state's industrial resources and investor-friendly policies.
The Chief Minister highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, stating that Panna is known for diamonds, Shahdol for iron, and Singrauli for newly discovered gold mines.
Urging industrialists to explore Madhya Pradesh’s vast business potential, he said, “Come and make Madhya Pradesh your second home. You are welcome to set up as many industries as you want — the state government will receive you with open arms and provide every possible assistance.”
He emphasized the state’s availability of land, electricity, water, and skilled manpower.
Comparing Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Yadav said both states share a brotherly bond — with Punjab being the elder in grain production and Madhya Pradesh the younger. Now, he said, the two will work together towards national and state development.
Dr. Yadav praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for India's rise in global rankings, saying, “Punjab is the land of bravery with a unique identity and a rich Guru-Sikh tradition. Indore, Madhya Pradesh’s commercial capital, is famous for cleanliness, while Ludhiana is known for its industries. We have come to invite industrialists to invest in Madhya Pradesh. Invest without hesitation — the government will support you in every possible way.”
Calling industry a noble pursuit, he added, “Industrialists not only support their families but also bring light to others’ homes.” Paying tribute to Punjab’s history, he honoured Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s sacrifice and urged entrepreneurs to consider expanding to Madhya Pradesh.
Referring to the Global Investors Summit (GIS) held in Bhopal in February, Dr. Yadav noted that the state received investment proposals worth ₹30.77 lakh crore. He also mentioned the government's salary support of ₹5,000 for textile workers and said cycle manufacturing units from Punjab could benefit by setting up facilities in Madhya Pradesh, where bicycles are distributed to students.
Highlighting India's economic rise under PM Modi, he said the country moved from being the 15th largest economy at Independence to the 11th in 2014, and now stands at fourth, on track to become the third-largest.
Dr. Yadav also spoke of Madhya Pradesh's previous investor outreach efforts in Coimbatore and Surat, and ongoing regional industry conclaves across the state. He said the Ludhiana visit marked another major step in connecting with the business community.
CM Holds One-on-One Meetings with Punjab Industrialists
As part of the investor outreach, Dr. Yadav met individually with key industrialists from various sectors. He introduced them to Madhya Pradesh’s industrial policies and assured them that the state government is open to making necessary policy changes to facilitate investment. He emphasized that the welfare of both workers and industries remains a priority.
Among those who met with the Chief Minister were:
Textiles: Shri Dinesh Oswal (Nahar Group), Shri Navneet Gupta (SEL Group), Shri Manjit Singh (Bonn Group)
Steel: Shri Lokesh Jain (TK Steel Group)
Pharma & Chemicals: Shri Varinder Gupta (IOL Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals), Shri Puneet Agrawal (MRM Medhya Greentech)
Food & Exports: Shri Sushil Mittal (Bhagwati Lactose), Shri Harish Dua (KG Export Team), Shri Anoop Bector (Bector Foods), Shri Deepak Garg (A.V. Cotspin Industries)
Engineering: Shri S.K. Rai (Hero Cycles), Shri Amit Kumar Modi (Highland Ethanol)
The discussions covered logistics, agri-product availability, and food parks in Madhya Pradesh.
Dr. Yadav highlighted recent labour settlements worth hundreds of crores, reflecting the government’s commitment to worker welfare. He also promised that if policy amendments are needed, changes would be considered even at the Cabinet level.
"MP is a Land of Opportunities"
Shri Neeraj Mandloi, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, welcomed Punjab investors to the “heart of India” and said Madhya Pradesh's rapid development is now visible in Punjab as well. He described the state as a "Land of Opportunities" with strong infrastructure and industrial potential.
Industrial Policies Presented to Investors
Shri Raghvendra Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary for Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, outlined the state's facilities — including north and south industrial corridors, a 1 lakh acre land bank, and central government-supported parks like the Medical Device Park (Ujjain), PM Mitra Park (Dhar), Leather Park (Morena), and Electric Equipment Park (Babai).
He also detailed incentives such as 40% assistance on plant and machinery, dedicated worker hostels, and a focus on green industries. He reminded that 7% of India's forests lie in MP — home to tigers, cheetahs, and gharials.
Shri Rajendra Gupta, Chairman of Trident Group, praised Punjabi enterprise and Madhya Pradesh’s support to industry. He announced an ambitious investment of ₹5 lakh crore in the state over the next three years, including a new institute near Ujjain. He described Madhya Pradesh as “the best state in the country for business opportunities.”
Truck Manufacturing and Industrial Growth in MP
Shri Sanjeev Kalra, an industrialist, spoke about his company's global truck manufacturing unit in Pithampur. He commended Dr. Yadav’s vision and the state’s ambition to become a ₹500 billion economy.
Highlighting Indore’s 300-acre vehicle testing track, Kalra said his company exports to Europe and other countries from MP, describing the state as “Ready-to-Lead.”
Dr. Yadav was warmly welcomed by Ludhiana’s industrial community. He inaugurated the investor session by lighting the ceremonial lamp and held multiple interactions throughout the day, including a press conference.
