The Maharashtra government is gearing up for its budget session, which starts on March 3, 2025, amid internal challenges within the ruling coalition known as Mahayuti. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is set to navigate through various conflicting interests, including those stemming from his colleagues and pressing issues raised by the Opposition. The coalition, predominantly consisting of the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), boasts 232 MLAS, which outnumbers the 47 MLAS represented by the opposition grouping, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Despite the numerical advantage, rising tensions between Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have sparked skepticism about the coalition's unity.
One of the significant pressures facing the coalition is the controversies surrounding ministers Dhananjay Munde and Manikrao Kokate. Munde is under scrutiny following the arrest of his aide linked to the murder of local sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, leading to calls for his resignation. Meanwhile, Kokate has recently been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for his involvement in long-standing document tampering allegations. These scandals not only threaten to overshadow the budget session but are also likely to be leveraged by the opposition during discussions.
Internally, differences have emerged over governance procedures, particularly with Fadnavis's recent moves to centralize decision-making by limiting ministers' powers to appoint personal aides. Shinde's dissatisfaction with the distribution of guardian minister posts has also contributed to speculation about discord within the coalition. While Fadnavis has dismissed these concerns as unfounded, the internal tensions hint at potential challenges the coalition may face as it pushes through its legislative agenda.
On the financial front, the government must tread carefully to balance public welfare initiatives with fiscal responsibility. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, responsible for presenting the state budget on March 10, has stated, "Financial discipline will be the priority. The guidelines of the Centre will have to be strictly adhered to and implemented." This indicates the government’s recognition of the delicate financial situation as it grapples with over ₹7.11 lakh crore debt and the need to fulfill campaign promises without igniting public dissent.
Among the flagship initiatives expected to persist is the Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides ₹1,500 monthly to eligible women aged 18 to 65. The government aims to control spending on this program to mitigate the overall expenditure, projected to exceed ₹35,000 crore. Another major initiative is the Namo Shetkari Kisan Mahasanman Yojana, which plans to increase aid to farmers from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 annually. With elections on the horizon, retracting these schemes could pose significant political risks, as dissatisfaction could bolster Opposition factions.
Following the announcements concerning governance and finance, the Maharashtra government is also embracing technological advancements to improve public service access. At the inauguration of the Mumbai Tech Week 2025, Chief Minister Fadnavis unveiled plans to integrate over 500 government services through WhatsApp, aiming to streamline and modernize interactions between the government and citizens. This partnership with Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, signifies Maharashtra's commitment to leveraging technology for improved governance and citizen experience.
Fadnavis remarked, "The establishment of NPCI’s headquarters will not only boost Mumbai’s fintech ecosystem but also create new opportunities for innovation and job creation." This statement underscored the government's ambition to position Mumbai as the leading hub for financial technology. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) recently received land allocation for its headquarters at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This decision was celebrated during the Mumbai Tech Week and reinforces Mumbai's status within India’s burgeoning digital payments ecosystem.
Deputy Chief Minister Shinde and MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee highlighted the strategic impact this move will have on fostering growth and attracting tech startups. They emphasized the importance of BKC's evolution as India's premier financial district, capable of drawing global attention and investment.
Looking forward, the Maharashtra government appears poised to address the forthcoming budget session with strategic foresight and resolve. With the twin priorities of satisfying public sentiment and reinforcing its technological capabilities, the Mahayuti coalition aims to navigate through its internal discord and strengthen governance frameworks. Whether they can present a unified front and implement their fiscal policies effectively remains to be seen.