Mid-Day was the first to report that CM Fadnavis would present the budget due to Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash near Baramati in Pune district of Maharashtra last month
CM Fadnavis will present the Maharashtra Budget 2026. File Pic
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will present the Maharashtra Budget 2026 on March 6 as the session is scheduled to begin on February 23, officials said on Tuesday.
"CM Fadnavis will present the budget in the assembly following the demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was holding the finance portfolio," said an official.
In the absence of the finance minister, the responsibility of presenting the budget has been taken over by the chief minister.
Last year, Ajit Pawar had presented the Mahayuti government’s budget, marking his 11th state budget, the second-highest number presented by any finance minister in Maharashtra’s history.
While tabling the budget, Pawar had acknowledged that the state’s debt burden was rising but maintained that it remained within prescribed fiscal limits.
Maharashtra’s total debt is projected to touch Rs 9.32 lakh cr
According to official finance documents, Maharashtra’s total debt is projected to touch Rs 9.32 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26. In 2024-25, the actual debt stood at Rs 8.39 lakh crore, higher than the earlier estimate of Rs 7.8 lakh crore.
Despite fiscal pressures, Ajit Pawar had announced that the government would not increase ready reckoner rates or introduce any major new taxes, citing concerns over burdening taxpayers and the common man. He had also assured that no cuts were made to development or infrastructure spending.
The budget session is will be a significant as it comes at a time of political and administrative transition in the state.
Budget session on Feb 23
The budget is expected to outline the government’s priorities for development, welfare schemes and fiscal management.
Mid-Day was the first to report that CM Fadnavis would present the budget due to Ajit Pawar’s absence. Read more here...
The budget session is likely to include discussions on government policies, financial planning and legislative business.
Both the ruling alliance and the opposition are expected to raise key issues concerning the economy, public welfare and governance during the session.
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