Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Maharashtra Minister Babasaheb Mohanrao Patil has voiced strong support for Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, stating that Pawar has the potential to become Maharashtra’s Chief Minister in the future.
Speaking to ANI, Patil praised Ajit Pawar’s administrative acumen and development-oriented approach. However, he clarified that this was his personal opinion and not an official party stance.
"Ajit Pawar has the potential to be the CM. He has a strong grip on administration and a vision for the state's complete development. Devendra Fadnavis is doing good work, and I am not opposing anyone, but it is our opinion that Ajit Pawar should become the CM after the elections," Patil remarked.
Ajit Pawar, currently the Deputy CM alongside Eknath Shinde, also holds the crucial Finance Ministry portfolio. On March 11, Pawar presented Maharashtra’s Budget for 2025-26, outlining key allocations, including:
- ₹36,000 crore for Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahini Yojana to benefit 2.53 crore women.
- ₹76,220 crore Vadhavan Port Project in Palghar in collaboration with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Maharashtra Maritime Board.
- Proposed third airport for Mumbai near Wadhwa Port, connecting to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train and Samruddhi Highway.
- Airport Infrastructure Boost:
- ₹1,367 crore for Shirdi Airport, including night landing facilities.
- ₹147 crore for Ratnagiri Airport, currently under construction.
- Belora Airport in Amravati to begin passenger services by March 31, 2025.
- Survey work for a new airport in Gadchiroli.
- Expansion of Akola Airport with additional funding.
