“Ajit Dada Prepared The Budget, I Will Take It Forward”: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday stepped in to ensure continuity in governance following the sudden vacuum created by the passing of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

With the state preparing for a crucial financial year, Fadnavis announced that he would personally take charge of the 2026-27 State Budget, which Ajit Pawar had been closely working on.

The Chief Minister said the move was aimed at honouring Ajit Pawar's work and maintaining stability within the government during a sensitive transition period.

Fadnavis to personally oversee budget preparations

Fadnavis revealed that Ajit Pawar, in his role as Finance Minister, had already completed most of the groundwork for the upcoming budget.

"To ensure his vision is fulfilled, I will personally oversee the budget work starting tomorrow," he said.

He added that the sudden loss of Ajit Pawar had naturally raised questions around the budget process, but reassured that there would be no disruption. Clarifying further, Fadnavis noted that while much of the preparation was already in place, he would now supervise the remaining steps himself.

"Ajit Dada had handled all the budget preparations. I will personally look into the remaining processes starting tomorrow. We will eventually decide who will present the budget in the legislature," Fadnavis said.

BJP assures full support to NCP and Pawar family

The Chief Minister also underlined that the Bharatiya Janata Party and the state government would stand firmly with the Nationalist Congress Party and Ajit Pawar's family during this difficult period.

"Whatever decision the NCP takes regarding its leadership or the family, we as a government and as the BJP will stand firmly behind them," Fadnavis reiterated.

He stressed that the ruling MahaYuti alliance would respect and support the NCP's internal decisions, signalling unity within the coalition.

Talks ongoing on Deputy CM post

Responding to queries about the vacant Deputy Chief Minister's post, Fadnavis confirmed that discussions were underway but no formal proposal had been finalised yet.

"They have met and discussed their internal procedures and available options with me twice. However, the final decision rests with their party, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further until they finalise it," he said.

Mayoral elections also under discussion

Fadnavis also touched upon the pending mayoral elections in Mumbai, Nagpur and other cities across Maharashtra. He said consultations within the MahaYuti alliance were in progress and that decisions on candidates would be taken soon.

According to the Chief Minister, local party leaders and legislators would be consulted before finalising names, with announcements expected in the coming days.