Maharashtra Budget Session Set for a Heated Start Amid Political and Financial Challenges
Mumbai, 3rd March 2025: The first budget session of the Mahayuti government is set to commence on Monday, and despite the opposition’s reduced strength—just 51 MLAs in a 288-member assembly—the session is expected to be marked by intense debates, protests, and political maneuvering.
Several recent incidents, including the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, the rape case at Pune’s Swargate bus stand, the custodial death of law student Somnath Suryavanshi in Parbhani, and a BJP Union minister’s complaint about her daughter being harassed at a Jalgaon fair, are likely to be at the center of the opposition’s attack.
Additionally, the conviction of NCP minister Manikrao Kokate in a housing fraud case, the state’s precarious financial situation, and cuts in the Ladki Bahin scheme beneficiaries will also be key issues raised.
Opposition Prepares to Corner the Government
With no official Leader of Opposition (LoP) named due to the opposition’s low numbers, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar will play a critical role in deciding whether the position will be filled. Regardless, opposition parties are gearing up for a showdown, particularly demanding the resignations of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde over the sarpanch murder case and Manikrao Kokate over his conviction.
“We will not remain silent while the government protects tainted ministers. The chief minister must take action, or we will stage walkouts and protests,” said a senior opposition leader. Demonstrations on the steps of Vidhan Bhavan are expected in the early days of the session.
Budget to Focus on Fiscal Discipline Amid Rising Financial Pressure
Finance Minister Ajit Pawar will present the state budget on March 10, and it is expected to focus on fiscal discipline while addressing key welfare measures. Among the anticipated announcements are an increase in the Ladki Bahin scheme payout from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100 and possible relief for farmers.
A political analyst noted, “The government is likely to announce measures such as farm loan waivers, increased procurement prices for soybean and cotton, and improved crop insurance policies to win back rural support.”
However, the state faces severe financial constraints. With unpaid dues of nearly ₹1 lakh crore owed to government contractors and engineers across 35 districts, funding populist schemes alongside infrastructure projects and pending payments could put a heavy strain on the exchequer.
Key Legislative Agenda
The session will begin with the Governor’s address, followed by two days of discussion. The state economic survey will be tabled ahead of the budget, and supplementary demands will be presented later.
Meanwhile, the scrapping of contracts awarded by the previous government and ongoing investigations into financial irregularities are also expected to fuel political clashes.
Despite its comfortable majority, the ruling Mahayuti alliance is likely to face stiff opposition on multiple fronts, making this session a politically charged one.
