Mahayuti government faces its first budget after the assembly polls. It will have to walk the tightrope between controlling its massive debt and fiscal deficit. The state’s debt projection for 2024-25 was already Rs 7.8 lakh crore. It is already apparent that chances of hiking the Ladki Bahin stipend from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 per month as promised in the Mahayuti poll manifesto will be unlikely in this budget.CM Devendra Fadnavis told TOI in the past that the state will not cut welfare or infrastructure spending but will focus on increasing revenue. However, the global slowdown will be a challenge to revenue generation, he said. He had said the state would focus on raising finances, including through borrowings, monetisation schemes and annuity schemes or build-operate-transfer schemes for infrastructure projects. For confidential support on suicide matters call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details.