Proceedings of the Legislative Council Begin with ‘Vande Mataram’ and the State Anthem

Mumbai, February 2026 : On the first day of the Budget Session of the State Legislature, the proceedings of the Maharashtra Legislative Council commenced with the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and the state anthem ‘Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza’.

Chairman of the Legislative Council Ram Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe, along with other ministers and members of the Legislative Council, were present on the occasion.

Fulfilling Ajitdada’s Vision of Development Is the True Tribute to Him: Deputy CM Eknath Shinde

Paying an emotional tribute to late leader Ajit Pawar in the Legislative Council, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that Ajitdada’s passing had left the state as if its provider was gone and millions were left orphaned.

“Dada, the people’s court has proven that many of the decisions you took in politics were absolutely right. But your decision to leave this world was wrong. Please take it back and return,” Shinde said in an emotional address while moving a condolence motion on the first day of the Budget Session.

He also paid tributes to former minister Surupsing Hiriya Naik, former Legislative Council member Ashok Gajanan Modak, Gangadhar Patne, and Niladevi Desai.

Recalling Ajitdada’s contributions, Shinde said that he, Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar together formed a strong “triangle of stability” for Maharashtra. “Because the three of us came together, the state’s momentum and progress accelerated. The dark day of January 28 snatched away that support from us,” he said, recalling the shock of watching visuals of the tragic accident on television.

Praising Ajitdada’s work style, Shinde said he had an exceptional command over administration. “Once a file came into his hands, he would scan it within seconds and immediately identify mistakes. Even small issues like hanging wires or improperly laid steps would not escape his attention. He presented the state budget a record 11 times,” Shinde noted. Though he appeared tough like a jackfruit from the outside, Ajitdada was extremely soft-hearted, he added, citing how he balanced fiscal discipline while allocating ₹46,000 crore for the Ladki Bahin scheme.

Shinde also shared personal anecdotes from their friendship. He recalled that during a meeting at Hotel Hyatt, when discussions were underway about a change in the Chief Minister, Ajitdada had firmly stated, “If it is Eknathrao, we are fine with it.” He added that Ajitdada often advised him not to work late into the night and to take care of his health.

Consoling Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Shinde said, “Despite facing grief as vast as the sky, you are standing strong. Both of us brothers stand firmly behind you.” He asserted that fulfilling Ajitdada’s dream of development would be the true tribute to him. “Development will no longer be delayed, Maharashtra will no longer stop,” Shinde said, vowing to turn Ajitdada’s vision into reality.

On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister once again paid heartfelt tributes to the departed leaders and members of the Legislative Council.

Introduction of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar in the House

The Budget Session of the State Legislature began today. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis formally introduced Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar to the Legislative Assembly.