Ajit Pawar's Unfinished 'Mission Maharashtra': 12th Budget To Local Polls

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar died Wednesday morning in a plane crash, leaving behind a political vacuum. His death also put a halt in administrative and development work in the state, work that had moved at his famously furious pace.

Among his many avatars, Pawar, 66, was one of Maharashtra's most experienced Finance Ministers, having presented 11 budgets. He was preparing to present his 12th when he died.

Had he done so, it would have left him just one behind Sheshrao Wankhede's record of 13.

The balance between fiscal discipline and public welfare, which was often reflected in his budgets, is likely to have been reflected this time as well, in the form of large infrastructure investments and provisions to boost the rural economy.

He also enjoyed a reputation as an efficient financial administrator, and was considered adept at maintaining growth rate while raising funds for future major projects, even during difficult economic conditions.

Under his guardianship, for example, Maharashtra once again became the top-ranked state in terms of receiving FDI, or foreign direct investment.

Pawar was not only the Finance Minister. He also held important portfolios such as Planning and Excise, and several initiatives were on his agenda that could have transformed Maharashtra.

Expansion of Majhi Ladki Behen Yojana

A proposal to increase the monthly allowance for beneficiaries of this flagship scheme from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 was on his table.

Pune-Nashik high-speed rail

He personally monitored the fundraising and land acquisition processes for this project.

GST refund

He was working to recover Maharashtra's share of GST funds from the centre.

New solar energy policy

His dream was to implement the'Chief Minister Solar Krishi Vahini Yojana 2.0 across the state to provide daytime electricity to the state's farmers.

Preparing for 'ground zero': Zilla parishad and panchayat samiti polls

Pawar had put significant efforts into local body polls scheduled for February 5.

For his Nationalist Congress Party faction, winning the maximum possible seats in Pawar family strongholds like Pune, Nashik, Raigad, and Beed was his primary goal.

He recently released special development funds for the zilla parishads to address road and water issues at the rural level and contest the elections. In Baramati and surrounding areas, he had formed booth-level committees that remained in direct contact with him.