The Maharashtra assembly budget session commences February 23, 2026, amid high expectations. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a candid press interaction beforehand, pledged a budget that delivers tangible relief to the public without fiscal lapses, ready to enforce stringent measures as required.
Fadnavis will table the budget on March 6, honoring late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s extensive prep work. A veteran of 11 budgets and fiscal disciplinarian, Pawar’s priorities will shape the document. The session features 15 bills.
Boost from Delhi includes Rs 98,306 crore tax devolution—a record high—plus Rs 23,000 crore for corridors and rails. VBG Ram-Ji scheme’s human-day hike to 160 million adds Rs 1,400 crore.
Davos’ Rs 30 lakh crore investments will be unpacked in detail assembly-side to quash doubts. Maharashtra’s AI prowess was evident at India AI Summit via the first-ever Agri AI conference. Pawar’s Rs 500 crore AI allocation powers the Mahavistar app, benefiting 3 million farmers with Bhilli support, targeting 25-40% cost reductions in agriculture.
Shinde forecasted 40-50 lakh employments from Davos, with Rs 1 lakh crore infra underway. MMRDA’s Rs 46,000 crore budget funds decongesting Mumbai tunnels. An accident response included official suspensions, fines, and Rs 15 lakh family aids.
Irrigation’s Rs 90,000 crore for 125 projects promises water to Marathwada-Vidarbha. Rs 32,000 crore farmer package and NDRF hikes provide further succor.
Sunetra Pawar, voice breaking, praised Ajit Pawar’s development-discipline equilibrium, foreseeing a budget catalyzing inclusive advancement.