Fadnavis’s Major Move

A significant cabinet reshuffle took place in the Maharashtra government on Saturday, with Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar being allocated the Excise, Sports, and Minority Development departments. These departments were previously held by her late husband and senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash in Baramati. The Planning and Finance departments, which were also previously held by the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, have now been assigned to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. According to sources, this move is aimed at ensuring continuity and stability ahead of the upcoming budget session, during which Maharashtra’s 2026-27 budget is to be presented in March. Sources indicate that Fadnavis will handle the Finance department and present the annual budget himself. This portfolio allocation to Sunetra Pawar comes after her recent appointment as Deputy Chief Minister in the BJP-led Mahayuti government. A major cabinet position had become vacant just days after Ajit Pawar’s death. Ajit Pawar had previously held several crucial ministries, including Finance, Excise, Sports, and Minority Affairs. According to state government sources, most of the preparations for the upcoming budget had already been completed under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Therefore, bringing in a new minister at this final stage, when policy decisions and amendments are required, could have complicated the process. Sources stated that the Finance Ministry portfolio will temporarily remain with the Chief Minister to ensure smooth coordination between the Mahayuti alliance and the Nationalist Congress Party. This decision was taken to maintain continuity during the crucial pre-budget period and prevent any disruption to budget preparations.