In a recent press conference ahead of the Maharashtra Budget Session 2025, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reassured the public that there are no internal conflicts within the tri-party government. Flanked by Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, Fadnavis emphasized unity and cooperation among the ruling coalition.
The state budget is set to be presented on March 10, marking the beginning of a four-week budget session starting on Monday. Despite rumors of discord within the Mahayuti government, Fadnavis confidently stated, “There is no one-upmanship,” dispelling any notions of rifts or power struggles among the leadership.
Unity Amidst Opposition Boycott
The traditional tea party held before the state assembly session saw Mahayuti leaders coming together in a show of solidarity. However, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, consisting of the Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress, chose to boycott the event. This move was criticized by Fadnavis, who viewed the tea party as an opportunity for constructive dialogue and engagement between parties.
The MVA leaders justified their absence by pointing to grievances against the government, ranging from allegations of corruption and misrule to failures in addressing key issues like farmer distress and law enforcement. Ambadas Danve, the opposition leader in the Legislative Council, highlighted these concerns, setting the stage for a potentially contentious budget session with heated debates and discussions on the horizon.
Promising a Transparent and Accountable Session
Amidst the political posturing and accusations, Fadnavis remained steadfast in his commitment to transparency and accountability. He assured that the government was prepared to address and respond to every query raised during the session, signaling a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue and debate.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and parliamentary procedures. With the second session of the Mahayuti government underway, Shinde highlighted the continuity of key players in different roles, adding a touch of humor by referencing the rotating nature of their positions.
While Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar acknowledged the government’s strong majority, he emphasized the importance of respecting the legislative process and not rushing through critical decisions. Despite their numerical advantage, Pawar underscored the government’s commitment to following established protocols and rules during the session.
In a bid to address concerns raised by the media, Fadnavis clarified misconceptions surrounding the costs of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) and refuted claims of government rifts stalling decision-making processes. He urged journalists to uphold ethical reporting standards by seeking balanced perspectives before publishing stories, emphasizing the importance of fair and accurate coverage.
As the Maharashtra Budget Session 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on the state assembly as lawmakers engage in spirited debates, deliberations, and discussions on key policy issues affecting the state. With tensions simmering between the ruling coalition and the opposition, the coming weeks are sure to be filled with political drama and intrigue as Maharashtra charts its course for the future.
