Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has asserted that his government is focused on welfare schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana to improve the lives of women, with plans to increase the monthly aid provided under the program. Ahead of the November 20 Maharashtra assembly polls, Shinde also criticized the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, calling it the “Maha Vasooli Aghadi” (alliance for extortion). The November installment under the Ladki Bahin scheme has already been deposited in beneficiaries’ accounts, and the amount for December will be provided soon after the assembly polls.
Under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, women with an annual family income of less than Rs 2.5 lakh receive Rs 1,500 per month as aid. Speaking at rallies in Kurla and Andheri East in Mumbai, Shinde kickstarted the Shiv Sena’s campaign, pledging his government’s commitment to a slum-free Mumbai with affordable housing for the poor. He highlighted infrastructure and healthcare improvements in the metropolis, contrasting this with the alleged corruption of the previous Uddhav Thackeray government, which he accused of “hafta vasooli” (extortion).
Shinde further targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing the opposition of making unfulfilled promises, referencing the Congress party’s “failed assurances” in states like Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka. “Our government delivers results. It isn’t focused on social media announcements,” Shinde said, emphasizing the Ladki Bahin Yojana as part of his vision for a safe and empowered future for women. “If launching such schemes is a crime, I am ready to commit such crimes a thousand times,” he added, affirming that his administration has struck a balance between welfare schemes and development projects.
The CM praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the Centre aims to make Maharashtra a powerhouse of growth and Mumbai the country’s fintech capital. Citing achievements such as an increased insurance coverage under the Mahatma Phule Jan Aarogya Yojana, free higher education for girls, and expanded senior citizen benefits, Shinde emphasized that government funds are for the people’s welfare. He closed with a commitment to fulfill every promise, quoting Salman Khan’s famous line, “Ek baar commitment kar diya to apne aap ki bhi nahi sunta” (“Once I make a commitment, I don’t even listen to myself”), signaling the Mahayuti’s readiness to serve Maharashtra’s citizens.
