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Fadnavis Credits Ajit Pawar's Budget Prep, Confident in Sunetra Pawar

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the state Assembly's budget session will commence with him presenting the budget, though he credited the late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for having made all preparations. Fadnavis expressed full confidence that the new Deputy CM, Sunetra Pawar, will fulfil her role with the same dedication as her late husband. He also addressed the plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar, stating a CBI inquiry will be conducted to address public concerns. The political transition follows the tragic accident, with Sunetra Pawar reflecting on her predecessor's legacy of 11 budget presentations.

Key Points: Maharashtra Budget: Fadnavis on Ajit Pawar's Legacy & Sunetra

  • Budget session begins Monday
  • Ajit Pawar prepared his 12th budget
  • Sunetra Pawar sworn in as Deputy CM
  • CBI probe into fatal plane crash
  • Portal for Divyang welfare launched
3 min read

Ajit Pawar had made all preparations to present Budget: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis ahead of Maharashtra Assembly session

CM Devendra Fadnavis says Ajit Pawar prepared the state budget, expresses confidence in new Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar ahead of the Assembly session.

"Ajit Pawar had made all preparations to present the Budget. I am confident that she will play her role just as Ajit Dada did - Devendra Fadnavis"

Mumbai, February 23

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the Maharashtra Assembly session will begin on Monday and that he will present the state Budget.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, the Chief Minister said that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had made all preparations for the Budget presentation. Fadnavis emphasised that the groundwork was laid by Ajit Pawar. He expressed full confidence in Sunetra Pawar, stating she would fulfil the role with the same dedication as "Dada" (Ajit Pawar).

"The Assembly session is beginning tomorrow. I will present the Budget. Ajit Pawar had made all preparations to present the Budget. This will be a new experience for Sunetra Pawar, I am confident that she will play her role just as Ajit Dada did", he said.

Ajit Pawar was a veteran of the state's finances, having presented the budget 11 times. He was in the midst of preparing his 12th.

Regarding Ajit Pawar's plane crash, Fadnavis stated that the DGCA is investigating, and a CBI inquiry will be conducted to address public concerns. He mentioned that several politicians, including himself, have flown with VSR company aircraft, emphasising the need for answers.

"We are all mourning. DGCA is investigating the incident. We will get a CBI inquiry done. There should be answers to valid doubts in people's minds. Politicians across the country, including me, used to fly on VSR company's aircraft. There should indeed be answers to all doubts," he said.

Fadnavis added that a thorough investigation would ensure transparency and clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash.

On January 28, 2026, a Learjet 45XR operated by VSR Ventures crashed while attempting to land in heavy fog at Baramati Airport. The accident claimed the lives of all five people on board, including Ajit Pawar, who was travelling to his home bastion for political engagements.

In a significant political move following the accident, Sunetra Pawar, the wife of the late Ajit Pawar, was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister on January 31, 2026.

Sunetra Pawar reflected on Ajit Pawar's 11 previous Budget presentations and expressed her readiness to move forward.

"Budget session of the State Assembly commences tomorrow. Ajit Pawar presented the budget 11 times and was going to present it the 12th time. But he left us all suddenly...," she said.

Meanwhile, according to CMO Maharashtra on X, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the 'Divyang Sahayak Portal' of the Divyang Welfare Department today at Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai.

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Minister Atul Save, and related senior officials were present, according to X post.

A report reviewing the works of the Krishna and Godavari Basin Development Corporations under the Water Resources Department for the year 2025 was released in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, according to CMO Maharashtra.

Fadnavis was present at 'Chahapan' on the eve of the Maharashtra Legislature's Budget Session 2026.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see a spouse stepping into such a major political role so quickly after a tragedy. While I wish her the best, I hope this is based on merit and capability, not just sentiment. The CBI inquiry into the crash is absolutely necessary for transparency.
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Vikram M
Presenting a budget 11 times is no small feat. Ajit Pawar had immense experience. Sunetra ji has big shoes to fill. The focus should be on the budget itself now - farmers, infrastructure, and jobs for youth. That's what matters to us common people.
A
Ananya R
The crash investigation is crucial. If so many politicians used that charter company, safety protocols need a hard look. Beyond the politics, five lives were lost. My heart goes out to all the families. Hope the budget session brings some positive news for the state.
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Michael C
Respectfully, this feels like dynastic politics in action. A tragic accident occurs, and within days, the wife is sworn in as Deputy CM. Where is the due process? The budget should be about Maharashtra's future, not about managing a political legacy.
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Priya S
Let's give Sunetra Pawar a chance. She has been in public life alongside her husband for years. CM Fadnavis seems confident in her. The real test will be the budget allocations for women's safety, education, and healthcare. We are watching.

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