Fadnavis Likely To Take Over Maharashtra Finance Ministry Held By Ajit Pawar: Sources

Last Updated:January 31, 2026, 17:51 IST

Devendra Fadnavis will assume charge of the finance department and lead the presentation of the annual budget in March.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (PTI File)

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is expected to take over the crucial finance portfolio and present the Maharashtra Budget for 2026–27 during the upcoming Budget Session in March, sources said.

They added that Fadnavis will assume charge of the finance department and lead the presentation of the annual budget. The move is seen as imminent, especially with the Budget Session scheduled for next month.

The development comes in the wake of Sunetra Pawar’s induction as Deputy Chief Minister in the BJP-led Mahayuti government.

While the allocation of cabinet portfolios to Sunetra Pawar is yet to be finalised, the finance department has remained vacant following the death of her husband, senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who previously held several key portfolios.

Sources said Chief Minister Fadnavis is expected to submit a formal letter to the Governor seeking approval for the reallocation of ministerial responsibilities.

Notably, Fadnavis had also handled the finance portfolio in 2023, strengthening speculation that he will once again take charge of the department.

Ajit Pawar had earlier overseen around six major ministries, including finance, minority affairs, sports and excise.

With the government keen to ensure continuity and smooth functioning ahead of the budget, handing the finance portfolio to the Chief Minister is being viewed as a practical and timely decision in the Mahayuti, said sources.

An official announcement on the redistribution of portfolios is expected soon.

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