Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 31: In the wake of the sudden vacuum created by the passing of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday moved swiftly to ensure administrative continuity and political stability in Maharashtra.

Fadnavis announced that he would personally take charge of the 2026–27 state Budget, a task that Ajit Pawar, in his capacity as Finance Minister, had been meticulously preparing. He said Pawar had already completed most of the groundwork for the upcoming financial year.

“To ensure his vision is fulfilled, I will personally oversee the budget work starting tomorrow,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the remaining processes would now be handled under his direct supervision. He noted that a decision on who would eventually present the Budget in the legislature would be taken at an appropriate time.

The Chief Minister also assured full political support to the Nationalist Congress Party and Ajit Pawar’s family during this period of transition. He said the BJP and the state government would stand “with full force” behind the NCP, and that any decision taken by the party regarding its future leadership would be respected by the ruling alliance.

“Whatever decision the NCP takes regarding its leadership or the family, we as a government and as the BJP will stand firmly behind them,” Fadnavis said, seeking to reassure the MahaYuti alliance.

Responding to queries on the Deputy Chief Minister’s post, Fadnavis said discussions were underway. He confirmed that NCP leaders had met him twice to discuss internal procedures and available options, but stressed that the final decision rests with the party.

The Chief Minister also referred to the pending mayoral elections in Mumbai, Nagpur and other cities, stating that deliberations within the MahaYuti alliance are ongoing. He said candidates for these posts would be finalised in the coming days after consultations with local party leaders and legislators.