Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar are convening today to deliberate on the strategic allocation of development funds ahead of Diwali and to review the progress of key infrastructure initiatives across Maharashtra. This high-level meeting underscores the state government’s commitment to accelerating development and ensuring equitable fund distribution before the festive season and upcoming local body elections.
Meeting Agenda and Focus
The tripartite discussion will center on finalizing the disbursement of development funds to ruling alliance MLAs, particularly addressing pending demands and ensuring timely execution of local projects. With Diwali approaching, the government aims to boost grassroots development and enhance public visibility of welfare initiatives. The meeting will also assess the status of major infrastructure projects, including metro expansions, suburban rail corridors, and highway developments, which are critical to the state’s long-term growth.
Recent Fund Allocations
In a recent move, the Maharashtra government sanctioned ₹270 crore for development works in the constituencies of 54 first-time elected Mahayuti MLAs, allocating ₹5 crore per MLA. This allocation follows earlier releases of ₹509 crore for municipal bodies, with ₹63 crore directed to Nagpur district and ₹175 crore to Thane district—constituencies of Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy CM Shinde respectively. Despite initial proposals for ₹10 crore per MLA, fiscal constraints due to welfare schemes and flood relief have led to a revised, phased approach.
Infrastructure Development Push
The state continues to prioritize large-scale infrastructure, with recent cabinet approvals including the ₹23,487.51 crore Metro Line 11 project from Anik Depot–Wadala to Gateway of India. Additionally, ₹14,907 crore has been earmarked for 136 km of new suburban rail corridors, and ₹5,100 crore for Pune–Lonavala rail expansion. These projects are part of a broader ₹10 lakh crore infrastructure pipeline aimed at transforming connectivity and economic potential across regions.
Coalition Coordination and Challenges
While the Mahayuti alliance remains officially united, underlying tensions persist, particularly regarding fund distribution and policy continuity. Some Shiv Sena leaders have expressed dissatisfaction over the discontinuation of eight schemes initiated under the previous Shinde government, citing financial constraints. The current meeting is expected to address these concerns and reinforce coordination among coalition partners to maintain political stability ahead of local polls.
Forward Outlook
The government is also considering an additional allocation of ₹2–2.5 crore per MLA to address discontent and ensure broad-based development. By aligning fund disbursement with Diwali and election timelines, the administration aims to strengthen public trust and deliver visible outcomes across urban and rural constituencies. The outcome of today’s meeting will likely shape the final push for development before the year-end.
