Opposition Stages Protest Over Alleged Budget Exclusion in Maharashtra Assembly

Opposition MLAs in Maharashtra protested outside the state assembly, alleging the BJP-led government's budget neglected welfare schemes. Despite proposed funding for women's programs and infrastructure projects, critics claim election promises were ignored. Key developments include Vadhavan Port, new airports, and initiatives for Scheduled Caste communities.

Opposition members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly held a demonstration outside the state assembly on Monday, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti government of failing to allocate funds for welfare initiatives in the recent budget. Congress leader Aslam Shaikh criticized the budget's focus, claiming it neglected electoral promises.

On the previous day, Finance and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar presented the state budget for the financial year 2025-26. Pawar announced a Rs 36,000 crore allocation for the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahini Yojana, benefiting over 2.53 crore women. The fund fuels economic activities by women's groups, with plans to further support such enterprises.

Additionally, the development of Vadhavan Port in Palghar with a Rs 76,220 crore investment was highlighted, promising to triple current cargo handling capacity. The budget also proposed airport expansions, including Shirdi, Ratnagiri, and Akola airports, alongside a new airport near the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train route. Scheduled Caste community initiatives also received funding boosts.

(With inputs from agencies.)