Thane, Aug. 15 -- Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said that India was viewed as a "strong and capable" nation instead of merely being perceived as a "market". He also said that the Mahayuti government has resolved to make the entire state "slum-free".

"The world views India not merely as a market but as a capable and strong nation. The goal is to make not just Mumbai, but the entire state of Maharashtra, slum-free. The government will spare no effort in this direction," Shinde said while addressing the gathering after hoisting the Tricolour at the Collector's Office in Thane on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.

Speaking about the under-construction Thane Integral Ring Metro, Shinde said the project w...