India, Feb. 24 -- With populist schemes continuing to strain Maharashtra's finances, no new schemes or projects are likely to be announced in the state budget for 2026-27 which will be presented by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on March 6, officials familiar with the matter told Hindustan Times.

"The state's finances are in bad shape due to the Ladki Bahin Yojana and other populist schemes alongside a shortfall in revenue," a senior finance department official told HT, requesting not to be identified. "Though the chief minister has handled the finance department earlier and is well-versed with various issues, it will not be easy for him to prepare and present the budget in the absence of Ajit Pawar."

Pawar, former Nationalist Congres...