In a poignant turn of events, the finance department of Maharashtra, previously led by the late Ajit Pawar, has approved the purchase of a new leather bag that has become an iconic symbol of budget presentations across India. This particular bag, intended to hold finance minister Pawar's budget speech, successfully navigated the complex bureaucratic approval process and is now en route to Mantralaya, the state secretariat.
A Symbolic Purchase That Will Never Fulfill Its Purpose
However, as fate would have it, this leather bag will never reach its intended owner. Priced at approximately Rs 7,000, the bag was specifically meant for the presentation of the Maharashtra Budget 2026. Had circumstances unfolded as planned, on budget day, Pawar would have proudly held up the bag in front of the media, inviting countless photographs and clicks from journalists.
The Missed Media Moment and Emotional Reflections
News channels would have broadcasted visuals of the leather bag, with anchors speculating about the contents that reveal the state's financial health. Newspapers the following day would have prominently featured that same image, detailing how the budget unfolded for Maharashtra. In a related development, a second similar bag has been purchased for Minister of State for Finance Ashish Jaiswal, who will now represent the government in the Legislative Council.
Speaking to TOI, Jaiswal expressed his sorrow over the missed symbolic photo opportunity where both ministers would have held up the bags to cameras on budget day. "I can't imagine that moment without dada, I will miss him dearly. I cannot imagine Budget day without dada," said Jaiswal, highlighting the emotional void left by Pawar's absence.
Routine Preparations and the Legacy of Budget Traditions
The approval for the bag was part of the routine preparations undertaken annually ahead of the budget session. Officials clarified that the bag was intended for carrying budget documents and the speech copy during the legislative session. This tradition, now tinged with sadness, underscores the meticulous planning involved in state budget presentations and how even small items like a leather bag carry significant symbolic weight in India's political and financial narratives.
