2 minutes of readingBombayJanuary 30, 2026 12:41 am IST
With the death of Deputy Chief Minister and state Finance Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash ahead of the Maharashtra Budget Session beginning on February 23, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to present the Budget this year.
“Given the limitation of time and the gigantic exercise that precedes the preparation of the budget“The possibility of Fadnavis presenting the Maharashtra budget for 2026-27 cannot be ruled out,” a senior Mahayuti source said.
After the death of Ajit Pawar, there are not many in the Cabinet who have experience in preparing and presenting the Budget. Therefore, the onus is likely to fall on Fadnavis, known for his economic and financial expertise in Maharashtra.
A senior BJP minister requesting anonymity said, “In all likelihood, Fadnavis is the most suitable person to take up the responsibility of presenting the state budget in the Assembly. Apart from being well versed in the state’s economy and finances, he can also give a definite direction to the state’s economy.
With the state debt rising to Rs 9.6 lakh crore and the financial commitment for a series of welfare schemes worth Rs one lakh crore (Ladki Bahin Yojana, free power to farmers), the budget will be an uphill task. Especially when it comes to maintaining fiscal discipline and also delivering on promises on core issues such as agriculture, infrastructure and social sectors.
As an elected member of the state Legislative Assembly (1999 to 2014), Fadnavis made a mark for his budget analysis. As CM in his first term (2014-2019), Fadnavis held the crucial housing portfolio. He then allocated funding to then senior party minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.
In it Eknath ShindeIn the government-led coalition government, Fadnavis, as deputy chief minister, was given responsibility for both Home Affairs and Finance. When the NCP joined the Mahayuti, Fadnavis was stripped of the financial portfolio to accommodate Ajit Pawar.
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Ajit Pawar had already started budget preparations. The details were to be worked out after the local body elections in February. Pawar was all set to present the Budget for a record 12th time.