Sudhir Mungantiwar’s Statement Sparks Debate Over Ladki Bahin Scheme Payouts

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Former Cabinet Minister and BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar recently stirred controversy with his remarks about increasing payouts under the Ladki Bahin Yojana during Bhai Dooj 2025. His statement has raised questions about the timing and implementation of promises made during the election campaign, particularly those aimed at empowering women voters.

In the leadup to the Maharashtra Assembly elections, both the Mahayuti alliance and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) competed to win support through ambitious women-centric schemes. The MVA announced the Mahalaxmi Yojana, offering Rs 3,000 per month to women, doubling the Rs 1,500 monthly payout under the existing Ladki Bahin Yojana. In response, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde pledged to increase the payout to Rs 2,100, making it a key campaign promise.

Now, with elections concluded, Mungantiwar sought to clarify the timeline for fulfilling the Rs 2,100 commitment. Speaking about his earlier statement, he explained: “I was asked in an interview about when the Rs 2,100 increase would happen. I clarified that such decisions are made by the cabinet and are expected to be implemented after the budget, likely around Raksha Bandhan next year.”

The remarks have drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who allege that the BJP-led government is backtracking on its promises. Mungantiwar also claimed that his earlier comments had been misinterpreted, emphasizing that any decision would need cabinet approval and proper budgetary allocation.

The controversy comes amid broader debates about how these schemes might influence BJP’s national prospects and the Shinde faction’s ability to deliver on promises. The opposition has seized on this issue, accusing the government of using women-centric schemes as electoral tools without concrete follow-through plans.

As the discussions unfold, the delay in implementing the increased payouts under the Ladki Bahin Yojana has left many questioning whether these promises were genuine commitments or mere election rhetoric.

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