Fadnavis presents ₹7.69 lakh crore Maharashtra Budget, loan waiver for farmers

Devendra Fadnavis, the Maharashtra Chief Minister, presented a ₹7.69 lakh crore state budget for 2026-27, including a crop loan waiver for up to ₹2 lakh for farmers with arrears until September 30, 2025. The budget aims to boost the agricultural economy by ninefold and raise its GDP from $55 billion to $500 billion by 2047. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray criticized the allocation of funds for women and child development, while Deputy CM Eknath Shinde defended the government's actions. The budget also includes plans for job creation through a Maharashtra Global Competence Centre Policy and investment in mining and steel industries.