In a significant administrative development following the demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his crucial portfolios are set to move by default to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. As the head of the state cabinet and government, Fadnavis will assume responsibility for these departments, with formal notifications expected after the three-day mourning period concludes.
Budget Session Challenges Ahead
With the state budget session scheduled to begin from February 23, and the budget presentation planned for the first week of March, the government is preparing to navigate this critical period without Pawar's experienced leadership. Minister of State for Finance Ashish Jaiswal acknowledged that while Pawar's absence creates an irreplaceable void in politics and governance, Chief Minister Fadnavis appears to be the only minister currently capable of "handling the budget" under these circumstances.
Complex Portfolio Transition
Jaiswal, a Shiv Sena (Shinde) leader and Ramtek MLA, emphasized that the Nationalist Congress Party held two vital portfolios - Finance and Agriculture - requiring careful consultation between alliance partners before the budget session. "Dada's demise is a big loss for Maharashtra," Jaiswal stated, referring to Pawar with the respectful term 'Dada'. "Meetings related to the budget were scheduled from February 6, and I was looking forward to working under his guidance. As of now, it seems CM Fadnavis is the best option to handle the budget."
Budget Preparation Timeline
The budget preparation process has faced multiple delays, according to Jaiswal. District planning committees are currently finalizing their expenditure plans, after which finance department officials will focus on the comprehensive state budget. "Our meetings also got delayed due to local body polls and the code of conduct," Jaiswal explained, adding that the Maharashtra budget can only be prepared after district estimates are received.
Pawar's Working Legacy
Reflecting on Pawar's working style, Jaiswal highlighted 'discipline' as the hallmark of his approach. "Dada was always punctual. Every meeting would start on time no matter what. Regardless of his busy schedule and travel itinerary, dada would always be on time," Jaiswal recalled. He further noted Pawar's clarity in decision-making: "There was clarity in thought. A yes means yes, and similarly he would clearly say 'No' to things which could not be done. Dada was decisive, never kept things status quo."
Historical Budget Record
Ajit Pawar was poised to present his twelfth state budget this year, which would have placed him second only to Sheshrao Wankhede in the number of budgets presented by a finance minister in Maharashtra. Wankhede presented the budget thirteen times, while Pawar had already secured second position with eleven budgets, followed by Jayant Patil with ten and Sushilkumar Shinde with nine presentations.
Jaiswal revealed that Pawar had been preparing to streamline budget-related activities from the following week, indicating his active involvement in the upcoming financial planning. The transition of his portfolios to Chief Minister Fadnavis marks a significant shift in Maharashtra's administrative landscape as the state prepares for its crucial budget session amidst these changing circumstances.
