Fadnavis to Present Maharashtra Budget on March 6 as State Session Convenes
CM takes charge of Finance portfolio following Ajit Pawar’s tragic demise; Budget session begins February 23
Maharashtra’s budget session will commence on February 23 in Mumbai, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis scheduled to present the state budget for 2026-27 on March 6. This development follows the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who previously held the Finance portfolio.
The budget presentation marks a historic moment in the state’s legislative proceedings, as Fadnavis becomes one of the rare Chief Ministers to present a budget while holding the top executive position. The Finance department automatically transferred to the Chief Minister after Pawar’s untimely passing in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28.
Prior to assuming the Chief Minister’s office, Fadnavis had presented the state budget in March 2023 when he served as Finance Minister under the Eknath Shinde-led administration. This upcoming presentation will be his second budget delivery.
The Economic Survey of Maharashtra is scheduled to be tabled on March 5, one day before the budget announcement. Sources indicate that Fadnavis, known for his financial acumen and having authored a book on understanding budgets, will ensure continuity of Pawar’s vision while preparing the fiscal roadmap.
The state government faces significant fiscal pressures from welfare initiatives including the Ladki Bahin Yojana, free electricity for farmers, and major infrastructure investments, making this budget particularly crucial for Maharashtra’s economic planning.
