A significant controversy has erupted surrounding the Maharashtra government’s ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ following a controversial statement made by BJP MLA Tekchand Sawarkar. The MLA’s remarks suggest that the scheme, designed to support women from economically weaker sections, was introduced primarily to secure votes in the upcoming state assembly elections, expected to occur later this year.
The Ladki Bahin Yojana, officially referred to as the “Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana,” is a welfare initiative aimed at aiding women aged 21 to 65 from underprivileged backgrounds. As part of the scheme, the state government plans to provide a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 to eligible beneficiaries, a move touted as a step toward empowering women in Maharashtra.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Sawarkar, the MLA from Nagpur’s Kamathi assembly constituency, can be heard stating, “Why did we do such a big Bhangard (uproar)? Tell me honestly, from your conscience. It was so that the day the election box comes in front of your house, this Ladli Behan of mine will vote for the ‘lotus’ (the BJP’s symbol). For this, we made this jugaad (arrangement).”
With the assembly elections just around the corner, Sawarkar’s remarks have intensified scrutiny of the Mahayuti government’s initiatives, which are perceived as politically motivated. Previously, only leaders from the opposition Mahavikas Aghadi had alleged that such schemes were designed to garner votes. Sawarkar’s admission has provided the opposition with ammunition to challenge the credibility of the government’s welfare schemes.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, shared the viral clip on social media platform X, asserting that even BJP leaders acknowledge that the scheme is politically driven. Wadettiwar commented, “Savarkar’s speech confirms that Mahayuti leaders have been misleading the public. The Ladki Behan Yojana is not about benefiting women; it is about securing votes through the ballot box.”
The scheme was announced during the state budget session on June 28 by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, detailing that women with an annual income of less than ₹2.5 lakh would be eligible for the financial aid. The state government had initially announced plans to distribute the first installment of the assistance before the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
In response to the growing criticism, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde defended the initiative, emphasizing its aim to empower women socially, financially, educationally, and politically. Shinde urged the public not to fall for the opposition’s narrative that undermines the intentions behind the Ladki Bahin Yojana. As part of the launch event, he distributed application forms for the scheme to women, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting underprivileged communities.
As the controversy unfolds, the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to heat up, with the implications of Sawarkar’s statements likely to resonate throughout the election campaign.
