Maharashtra Budget Session Commences Under Financial and Political Pressure
The Maharashtra state budget session begins on Monday, with intense scrutiny on how the Mahayuti government will balance its fiscal responsibilities against a backdrop of significant debt and pre-election welfare commitments. The state faces a projected debt burden of Rs 9.3 lakh crore, raising questions about the sustainability of its ambitious social schemes.
Budget Presentation and Leadership Changes
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will present the budget on March 6, stepping in following the passing of Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar. This session marks the first assembly appearance of Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar's wife, who has assumed his roles as Deputy Chief Minister and holds portfolios for state excise and minority affairs.
Opposition's Uphill Battle and Key Targets
With opposition numbers critically low, challenging the government presents a formidable task. However, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition plans to focus its efforts on Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, who has faced criticism for allegedly intervening in a land measurement dispute in Alibaug—allegations he firmly denies.
Additionally, the opposition intends to question the reported clearance given to Parth Pawar, Ajit Pawar's son, in a revenue department inquiry concerning the transfer of a 40-acre plot in Mundhwa to a company associated with him.
Vacant Leader of Opposition Posts
This budget session is historic as it proceeds without a Leader of Opposition (LoP) in both legislative Houses. The assembly has lacked an LoP since the November 2024 state elections, when opposition MLA numbers fell below the traditional threshold of 10% of the House's strength.
Despite the Shiv Sena (UBT) proposing Bhaskar Jadhav for the position, Speaker Narwekar has not approved the appointment. In the upper House, the LoP role has been vacant since Ambadas Danve of Sena (UBT) retired in August 2025. Congress, as the largest opposition party in the legislative council, has recommended MLC Satej Patil for the post.
Scrutiny of Welfare Schemes and Promises
The opposition is poised to challenge the government over the reduction in beneficiaries for the flagship Laadki Bahin scheme. After implementing e-KYC verification, beneficiary numbers dropped by 86 lakh in December 2025, with 55 lakh fewer individuals filing details compared to the previous year.
MVA is also expected to confront the administration on unfulfilled pre-poll pledges, such as increasing the Laadki Bahin stipend from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 and providing loan waivers for farmers. A committee has been established to study farm loan waivers and propose long-term solutions to the agricultural crisis, with its report due in June.
Davos Agreements and Rajya Sabha Elections
Questions may arise regarding Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed by the state at Davos, particularly a Rs 1.3 lakh crore deal with Lodha Developers, linked to Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
Concurrently, elections for seven Rajya Sabha seats will occur during the session. The Mahayuti alliance is anticipated to secure six seats, while MVA is expected to win one. However, internal disputes within MVA over candidate selection persist, with NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar expressing willingness to contest if unopposed, though both Sena (UBT) and Congress have staked claims to the seat.
As the session unfolds, all eyes are on how the government navigates these complex financial and political landscapes while addressing public expectations and opposition critiques.
