Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's recent proposal for supplementary funds, primarily directed towards infrastructure development and upliftment of backward communities, has stirred debate within the state's political landscape. While the move aims to bolster development projects and provide financial assistance, it has drawn criticism from the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP), who question the timing and financial implications.

Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented supplementary demands worth ₹57,509.71 crore in the state legislative assembly. These demands encompass allocations for infrastructure projects, including roads, metro rail, and irrigation schemes, as well as provisions for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. A significant portion is also earmarked for social welfare programs, such as scholarships for students from backward classes, the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Health Scheme, and the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar (Destitute) Grant Scheme. An allocation of ₹1,300 crore has been proposed for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) Department to disburse scholarships to eligible students.

The Urban Development Department, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is slated to receive ₹15,465.13 crore, intended for development works in 29 civic bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Additionally, ₹11,042.76 crore has been allocated for grants as per the 15th Finance Commission's recommendations.

The NCP-SP has voiced concerns regarding the state's financial health, pointing to an existing revenue deficit of ₹45,890 crore. They argue that the additional supplementary demands could push the total revenue deficit beyond ₹1 lakh crore, indicating potential financial mismanagement. Jayant Patil, president of the NCP (SP), has been a vocal critic, highlighting the need for fiscal prudence.

The Maharashtra government has been actively focusing on infrastructure development across the state. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has approved a budget of ₹40,187.41 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, with 87% of the funds allocated to infrastructure projects, primarily metro and road development. Key projects include metro line extensions, new tunnels, coastal routes, and regional water source development. The state government also plans to allocate ₹17,000 crore for land acquisition for priority projects undertaken by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). These projects include expressways, multimodal transport corridors, and regional connectors.

Several major infrastructure projects are underway in Mumbai, including the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link, the Sewri-Worli Elevated Corridor, the Samruddhi Mahamarg, and the Panvel-Karjat Suburban Railway Corridor. These projects are expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and boost economic growth. The state government is committed to completing projects related to water supply, sewage management, and road development within two years under the "Nagrotthan Mahabhiyan" scheme.

In addition to infrastructure development, the government is also focused on the welfare of backward communities. The Maharashtra Post Matric Scholarship for OBC Students provides financial assistance to students from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category to pursue higher education. The scheme offers financial support for tuition fees, examination fees, and living expenses. The government also provides loans and subsidies for women entrepreneurs from backward communities to promote self-employment and small businesses.

The allocation of funds for infrastructure and backward communities is aimed at promoting inclusive growth and development in Maharashtra. However, the NCP-SP's concerns about the state's financial situation highlight the need for careful fiscal management and prioritization of projects. The upcoming civic body polls add another layer of complexity to the situation, as the allocation of funds could be seen as an attempt to gain political mileage.