The first budget presented by the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government has come under sharp criticism for failing to address key pre-election promises, including a farm loan waiver and an increase in the monthly allowance under the Chief Minister Ladki Bahin Scheme from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100.
While presenting the budget, the government remained silent on the farm loan waiver, a major electoral assurance. However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking to reporters, assured that all promises would be fulfilled in the coming years. On the Ladki Bahin Scheme, he stated that the government is working on implementing the ₹2,100 monthly grant, but for now, beneficiaries will continue receiving ₹1,500 per month.
Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s strong economic performance, with GST collections above the national average and the state ranking number one in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), startups, and GST revenue.
Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (Thackeray) chief Uddhav Thackeray, lashed out at the government, accusing it of deceiving voters. “This budget benefits contractors, not the common people,” he said, alleging that the BJP-led alliance secured a massive majority through false promises.
Shiv Sena (Thackeray) leader Ambadas Danve also criticised the government, stating that farmers who had delayed loan repayments in anticipation of a waiver now feel betrayed. Opposition parties have vowed to continue pressing the government to honour its commitments.
