Dy CM Eknath Shinde says govt working towards traffic congestion-free Mumbai; Sunetra Pawar recalls late husband’s contributions
Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (in navy blue jacket), at the tea party held before the budget session on Sunday. PIC/By Special Arrangement
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday hinted at relief for the common man in the upcoming state budget, but at the same time signalled the introduction of corrective and discipline-oriented measures where required. Addressing the media after the customary tea party and cabinet meeting in Mumbai, the CM stated that all suggestions made by the late Ajit Pawar would be incorporated into the budget.
Fadnavis stated that the budget had been meticulously prepared by Pawar. “Ajit Pawar worked very hard to present a good budget. Unfortunately, due to his demise, the responsibility has now come to me,” he said, describing Pawar as a disciplined and strict finance minister who was clear about what could and could not be done.
Fadnavis will present the budget on March 6, with the session scheduled from February 23 to March 25. He took charge of the finance portfolio following the death of Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati on January 28.
Sunetra Pawar’s statements
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar expressed confidence that the budget session would unfold smoothly. Recalling the contribution of Ajit Pawar, she noted that he had presented the state budget 11 times, the second-highest by any finance minister in Maharashtra’s history and said he had meticulously planned key welfare schemes, including the Ladki Bahin initiative
Traffic relief
Promising long-term relief from traffic, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said the Mahayuti government was working towards a congestion-free Mumbai and exploring underground projects to reduce pressure on the city’s roads. Shinde further described Fadnavis as an expert who understands the pulse of Maharashtra and asserted that the budget would take the state to new heights, with electoral promises to be honoured at the appropriate time.
Issues that MVA plans to raise
The Opposition sharpened its attack on the ruling coalition, flagging alleged corruption and rising unemployment. It also sought answers over the controversial Pune land deal reportedly linked to Parth Pawar, son of the late Dy CM. The Anti-Corruption Bureau recently arrested a Mantralaya clerk attached to the Food and Drug Administration department, headed by NCP (Ajit Pawar) leader Narhari Zirwal
VSR audit
Fadnavis stated that an audit of VSR Aviation had commenced, amid demands for action against the firm over alleged violations of aviation norms. The call for a probe and a ban on the company was raised by Pawar’s nephew. The CM stated that he had flown in the VSR plane on three to four occasions, stating, “Whatever the outcome of the probe, it will help other politicians only.”
MVA’s boycott
Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders boycotted the tea party, stating that, for the first time, both the Legislative Assembly and Council would function without a leader of the Opposition, calling it a serious blow to democratic conventions. However, signs of discord within the alliance were visible at the Opposition’s media interaction, where NCP-SP representatives were not present
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