The first day of the Maharashtra Assembly's budget session was marked by an emotional atmosphere, as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid homage to the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Fadnavis described Pawar as the kind of 'best Chief Minister' that Maharashtra never had, reflecting on his leadership qualities and the suddenness of his passing in a plane crash that killed Pawar and four others on January 28. The Assembly also observed a moment of silence in tribute to him.

Fadnavis highlighted their long-standing relationship, noting that Ajit Pawar was 11 years his senior and had often served as a mentor figure. The Chief Minister recalled the tragic event and emphasized Pawar's role as a leader who had the capacity to lead the state effectively. Despite Pawar's punctual nature, Fadnavis mentioned that this time his timing was wrong, referring to the unexpected timing of his death, which left a significant impact on state politics.

In his speech, Fadnavis reminisced about the 2019 oath-taking ceremony when they had come together to form a government, illustrating the changing political dynamics since then. Yet he affirmed that their personal relationship had remained cordial, underscoring that Ajit Pawar was 'the best finance minister for any chief minister'. This tribute highlights the profound loss felt within the Maharashtra political landscape following Pawar's untimely demise.