Sanjay Raut slams Maharashtra government over 'Ladki Bahin' scheme

Sanjya Raut File.Pic

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday criticized the Maharashtra government, alleging that the Ladki Bahin Yojana has effectively been shut down. He accused the ruling Mahayuti coalition of failing to deliver on its election promises.

Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Raut said, "The Ladki Bahin scheme has been closed. Earlier, you promised Rs 1,500, and now only Rs 500 is being given. During the elections, there was talk of Rs 2,100 being provided. But now Deputy CM Ajit Pawar says, ‘When did I say that? I never made such a promise.' But the government is yours, right? You are the Deputy Chief Minister. Once in office, you start saying, ‘My money, my money', but this money is meant for the Ladki Bahin scheme," according to ANI.

The Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched by the Mahayuti alliance, aims to provide financial support to eligible women across Maharashtra. However, leaders from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction have criticized the government, alleging a deliberate attempt to reduce the number of beneficiaries and questioning the government's commitment to women's welfare and electoral accountability.

"This is a shameless policy. They are going back on all the promises made during the elections. Even today, only Rs 1,500 is being given to the Ladli sisters, and efforts are being made to cut down the number of beneficiaries," Aaditya Thackeray said while speaking to the media in March, according to ANI.

On March 10, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar presented the state budget in the Assembly. He announced a total allocation of Rs 36,000 crore for the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahini Yojana, stating that financial aid was being provided to 2.53 crore women beneficiaries under the scheme.

For the 2025-26 fiscal year, the Maharashtra government has proposed a total expenditure of Rs 7.20 lakh crore. Estimated revenue receipts are projected at Rs 5,60,964 crore, while revenue expenditure is expected to be Rs 6,06,855 crore, according to ANI reports.

Despite these budget announcements, the Uddhav Thackeray faction continues to criticize the Mahayuti government, calling its policy implementation "shameless" and unfaithful to the promises made during the election campaign.

(With inputs from ANI)