Maharashtra Budget Session Begins with Government Facing Financial Strain and Opposition Criticism

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the ruling Mahayuti alliance confront fiscal challenges and mounting opposition pressure during the four-week session starting March 3.

The Maharashtra Budget Session, running from March 3 to March 26, will see Finance Minister Ajit Pawar present the state budget on March 10.
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is boycotting pre-session discussions, citing governance failures, rising crimes against women, and stalled infrastructure projects.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed rumors of internal discord within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, emphasizing unity among BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP leaders.
The government faces significant fiscal challenges, with a state debt exceeding Rs 7.8 lakh crore and mounting pressure to fulfill pre-election promises like expanded welfare schemes and farmer loan waivers.
Key issues expected to dominate the session include law and order concerns, allegations of corruption, and debates over financial sustainability of welfare programs like the Ladki Bahin Yojana.