Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Sunday that the state government will soon release a comprehensive report detailing the agreements worth Rs 30 lakh crore that were made during the World Economic Forum in Davos last month. He also indicated that the report will address the status of previously signed agreements. His remarks followed a demand from the opposition for a white paper concerning past transactions.

Budget Session and Legislative Agenda

As the customary tea party preceding the budget session was boycotted by the opposition, Fadnavis spoke to reporters at the Sahyadri state guest house. He indicated that 13 new bills would be presented during the one-month session, in addition to two bills that were pending from the earlier session. “All these bills will be passed, and we will allow ample time for discussions,” he stated. He further remarked that the recent passing of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar meant he would now present the state budget.

Opposition Concerns Over Government Accountability

Opposition leaders also raised concerns regarding a recent plane crash, questioning the government’s brief statement that discouraged further inquiries. “Why should we not ask questions? Is this a conspiratorial incident or a simple accident? This is a topic of concern nationwide,” commented Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar. In response, Fadnavis noted the absence of NCP (SP) members at the opposition’s press conference, pointing out the signing of a letter by a former MLA of the Sharad Pawar group that included notable grammatical mistakes on 18 issues.

Communication Issues and Party Dynamics

Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav clarified that the late arrival of NCP (SP) politicians was due to communication misunderstandings. He affirmed that “we are all together as MVA.” Likewise, Aaditya Thackeray from Sena (UBT) raised the issue of vacant opposition leadership roles in both Houses, questioning why the ruling Mahayuti coalition seemed fearful of filling these posts despite holding a significant majority.

Allegations of Corruption in Government

Congress MLC Satej Patil criticized FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal of the NCP, demanding his resignation amid allegations of bribery linked to a staff member in his office. Fadnavis responded by stating that Zirwal’s name had not emerged in the ongoing Anti-Corruption Bureau investigations. Acknowledging the potentially damaging impact on the government’s image, Fadnavis emphasized the administration’s commitment to preventing corruption, stating that the ACB has been instructed to act against any misconduct in Zirwal’s office.

Rivalries and Farmers’ Concerns Highlighted

Thackeray also criticized the Mahayuti coalition for internal conflicts among its ministers, seemingly referring to competition between Fadnavis and Deputy Eknath Shinde over infrastructure projects. He went on to express dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to provide only Rs 5 lakh in compensation to the victim’s family of the recent Mulund Metro parapet incident. Wadettiwar highlighted concerns over the new India-US trade agreement, suggesting it could adversely affect farmers, especially in light of ongoing suicide crises among agricultural workers in Maharashtra.

Government’s Call for Opposition Participation in Legislative Process

Shinde urged the opposition to actively participate in the upcoming budget session rather than demonstrating outside the Vidhan Bhavan. He reassured them that the government would address all concerns raised by the opposition within the legislative assembly.

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