Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Maharashtra Budget 2026-27: Fadnavis to Present
Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, is likely to present the state's budget for the year 2026-27 because the previous Finance Minister, Ajit Pawar, passed away in a plane crash.
The budget session is starting soon, on February 23, and there aren't many other ministers with experience in preparing and presenting the budget.
Fadnavis is known for his economic and financial expertise, having analyzed budgets in the past and allocated the finance portfolio when he was the Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019.
Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is considering Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar's wife, as his successor for the Deputy CM post.
There is a debate within the NCP about whether to appoint Sunetra Pawar, who has significant public support, or Praful Patel, a senior leader with extensive administrative experience.
The NCP is also set to convene a meeting of its National Executive to finalize the party's leadership transition.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to present the Maharashtra Budget 2026-27 due to the death of Deputy CM and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar.
The budget session commences on February 23, and there is a time constraint for preparation.
Fadnavis has experience in budget analysis as an MLA (1999-2014) and allocated the finance portfolio as CM (2014-2019).
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is considering Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar's wife, as the next Deputy CM.
There is a debate within the NCP about whether to appoint Sunetra Pawar, who has significant public support, or Praful Patel, a senior leader with extensive administrative experience.
- Who
- Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and Sunetra Pawar, potential next Deputy CM
- What
- Presentation of the Maharashtra Budget 2026-27 and succession planning in the NCP
- When
- Budget session commences on February 23; NCP meeting to convene soon
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- Death of Deputy CM and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, and Fadnavis' economic and financial expertise
Family-First Approach
Seniority-Based Leadership
Deputy CM Appointment
Family-First Approach
Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar's wife, should be appointed as the next Deputy CM to maintain stability and honor Ajit Pawar's legacy.
Seniority-Based Leadership
Praful Patel, a senior NCP leader, should be appointed due to his extensive administrative experience and seniority.
- Name
- Devendra Fadnavis
- Role
- Chief Minister of Maharashtra
- Previous Budget Experience
- Analyzed budgets as MLA (1999-2014), allocated finance portfolio as CM (2014-2019)
- Deceased Finance Minister
- Ajit Pawar
- Budget Session Start Date
- February 23
- Reason for Fadnavis' Likely Presentation
- Lack of experienced budget presenters in the cabinet and Fadnavis' economic and financial expertise
- Potential Deputy CM
- Sunetra Pawar
- NCP Leadership Meeting
- National Executive meeting to convene soon to finalize party leadership
Sources
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