Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced that he will personally oversee the preparation of the 2026–27 state budget following the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar. The move is aimed at ensuring administrative continuity and honouring the vision Ajit Pawar had laid out for the upcoming financial year.
Addressing the media, Fadnavis said Ajit Pawar had already completed most of the groundwork for the budget before his passing. “To ensure his vision is fulfilled, I will personally oversee the remaining budget work starting tomorrow,” the Chief Minister said, adding that a final decision on who will present the budget in the legislature will be taken later.
Ajit Pawar’s death has created a political and administrative vacuum within the MahaYuti alliance, particularly in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Fadnavis sought to reassure allies and the public, stating that the BJP and the state government will stand “with full force” behind the NCP and the Pawar family during this period of transition.
He also clarified that discussions regarding the vacant Deputy Chief Minister’s post are ongoing. According to Fadnavis, NCP leaders have met him twice to discuss internal procedures and possible options. “The final decision rests entirely with the party, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment until they finalise it,” he said.
The Chief Minister further noted that the state government is keen to maintain political stability and smooth governance. Any leadership decision taken by the NCP, he added, would be respected and supported by the ruling alliance.
In addition to the budget and leadership matters, Fadnavis spoke about the pending mayoral elections in Mumbai, Nagpur, and other cities. He said discussions within the MahaYuti alliance are underway and candidates will be finalised in the coming days after consultations with local leaders and legislators.
With the budget process now under his direct supervision, Fadnavis aims to ensure that the state’s financial roadmap proceeds without disruption, even as Maharashtra navigates a sensitive political transition.
