As expected, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has walked away with almost 70% of the state budget leaving its colleagues in the Congress fuming.

When state finance minister and NCP leader, Ajit Pawar, presented the state budget of Rs 41,500 crore on Wednesday, heavy allocations were given to the departments held by ministers from his party.

The resentment came to the fore at chief minister Prithviraj Chavan's official residence where he had invited Congress ministers and legislators for dinner after the budget presentation.

Chavan tried to explain to his disgruntled party members that the allocation to NCP looked fatter because the party headed departments that traditionally get more money compared to others.

But when they protested further, he promised to sort the matter with his deputy, Pawar.

On Wednesday, Congress and Independent legislators had complained to Pawar against unfair allotment of funds, especially for their respective constituencies. Pawar reportedly assured them some relief before the budget is passed.

In this years plan, the water resources department will get Rs 7,577 crore, energy department Rs 3,000 crore, public works and roads department Rs 4,625 crore, rural development department Rs 1,144 crore and the tribal development department will have the biggest share Rs 10,000 crore.

All these are headed by NCP party members. 

On the other hand, the industry department headed by the Congress will get just Rs 300 crore, while the agriculture department has got the highest allocation of Rs 10,500 crore, which includes subsidies.

Its not our fault that they dont have good departments. They have been crying hoarse ever since we came to power together 11 years ago, said a senior NCP leader, on condition on anonymity.