The Maharashtra Assembly's budget session is set to commence on March 3, 2024, and is expected to be politically charged, with both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition preparing for intense debates. Ahead of the session, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, addressed a press conference, criticizing the opposition for skipping the pre-session meeting.

The upcoming session is likely to focus on economic policies, law and order, social welfare schemes, and the financial feasibility of election promises, setting the stage for a fierce political showdown.

Ruling Government vs. Opposition: The Pre-Session War of Words

Opposition’s Absence Sparks Criticism

CM Devendra Fadnavis took a jibe at the opposition, likening their lack of coordination to the Bollywood film "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun" rather than "Hum Saath Saath Hain," implying that they lack unity. He also criticized their 9-page letter listing concerns, stating that it was based on media reports rather than concrete issues.

“They had a chance for direct conversation but chose not to attend the ‘Chahapan’ (pre-session snack meeting),” Fadnavis remarked, adding that the government will ensure enough time for opposition leaders to express their views in the House.

Shinde and Pawar Reaffirm Mahayuti’s Unity

Amid speculation of internal conflicts within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde dismissed the rumors, asserting that their alliance remains strong and united. He also criticized the previous MVA government, claiming that several development projects stalled under their rule have now been revived.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who is set to present the budget on March 10, also expressed disappointment over the opposition's decision to boycott the pre-session meeting, calling it a missed opportunity for meaningful discussion.

What’s on the Agenda? Key Topics for Debate in the Budget Session

The budget session is expected to last around 25 days and will witness intense debates on several crucial issues:

1. Financial Viability of Election Promises

One of the most contentious topics will be the financial burden of election promises. The opposition is particularly targeting the ruling alliance’s ambitious Ladki Behen Yojana, which aims to provide financial support to women.

• The scheme is expected to cost the state around ₹35,000-40,000 crore annually, sparking concerns over its impact on other essential schemes.
• The opposition argues that such massive spending could strain the state’s finances and divert funds from infrastructure and healthcare projects.
• The government, however, is likely to defend the scheme as a necessary social welfare initiative that will uplift women economically.

2. Demand for Ministerial Resignations

The opposition is also expected to demand the resignation of ministers Dhananjay Munde and Manikrao Kokate over alleged controversies.

• Dhananjay Munde, the Minister for Agriculture, has been embroiled in corruption allegations, leading to calls for his resignation.
• Manikrao Kokate, a minister from the ruling coalition, is also facing scrutiny over administrative issues.

The government will likely try to defend its ministers, arguing that no legal action or concrete evidence has been presented against them.

3. Law and Order Concerns

Maharashtra has seen an increase in crime rates, and the opposition is expected to question the government’s handling of law and order.

• Cases of mob violence, political killings, and rising crime rates in certain districts have been flagged as major concerns.
• The government is expected to highlight steps taken to improve policing, including new security initiatives, stricter laws, and modernization of law enforcement agencies.

4. Infrastructure and Development Projects

Maharashtra’s infrastructure development will also be a hot topic during the session.

• Metro expansions, road projects, and industrial corridors are likely to be discussed.
• The ruling Mahayuti coalition is expected to emphasize its track record of reviving stalled projects, contrasting it with the previous MVA government’s alleged inaction.

5. Role of the Opposition: A Leaderless Bloc?

A major setback for the opposition is its failure to elect a Leader of the Opposition due to its low numbers in the Assembly. This has further weakened their bargaining power and credibility.

• Their decision to boycott the CM’s traditional tea party signals that they are preparing for an aggressive confrontation during the session.
• However, without a strong, unified leadership, their ability to effectively challenge the ruling government remains questionable.

What to Expect in the Maharashtra Budget 2024?

With Deputy CM Ajit Pawar set to present the budget on March 10, several key allocations are expected:

Possible New Announcements:

• Increase in financial aid for farmers
• More investment in public healthcare facilities
• Subsidies for small businesses and startups
• Expansion of metro and road infrastructure in urban areas

The government is likely to balance social welfare initiatives with economic growth policies to present a populist yet financially stable budget.

Conclusion

As the Maharashtra Assembly budget session kicks off on March 3, the political atmosphere is set to heat up with intense debates on election promises, economic policies, and governance issues.

• The ruling Mahayuti alliance aims to highlight its achievements, infrastructure projects, and social welfare schemes.
• The opposition, despite its internal weaknesses, will push hard on law and order failures, financial strain from government schemes, and corruption allegations.
• The budget announcement on March 10 by Ajit Pawar will be a crucial moment, determining the state’s economic direction in an election year.

With both sides ready for battle, the 25-day session promises high political drama, making it a must-watch event for Maharashtra’s future.

1. When does the Maharashtra Assembly budget session begin?

The budget session starts on March 3, 2024, and will last for about 25 days.

2. What are the key issues likely to be debated?

Key issues include the financial burden of election promises, law and order concerns, resignations of ministers, and stalled infrastructure projects.

3. Why is the opposition criticizing the Ladki Behen Yojana?

The opposition argues that the scheme, costing ₹35,000-40,000 crore annually, could strain state finances and affect funding for other essential programs.

4. What is the ruling Mahayuti alliance’s stance on internal conflicts?

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has dismissed rumors of internal rifts, saying the alliance remains strong and united.

5. When will the Maharashtra budget be presented?

Deputy CM and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar will present the budget on March 10, 2024.