Opposition spreading rumours about ‘Ladki Bahin’, says CM Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde defends Ladki Bahin scheme, warns against Opposition rumors, emphasizes welfare over elections.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde targeted the Opposition parties, accusing them of spreading rumours about his government's flagship 'Ladki Bahin' scheme for women and asking people to be cautious of such "stepbrothers".

Speaking on Friday (August 9, 2024) night in Thane, his home turf, Mr. Shinde said his government does not work keeping in mind the elections, but it works for the welfare of people.

Assembly elections in Maharashtra are likely to be held in October this year.

Months before the elections, his government announced 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana', which literally means 'Chief Minister's My Beloved Sister Scheme', under which eligible women will be given financial assistance of ₹1,500 every month.

"Citizens, especially women in the state, should be cautious of the 'savatra bhau' (stepbrothers), who spread all kinds of rumours about the Ladki Bahin scheme. So far, I have only had one sister. Now, I have got lakhs of sisters across the state," CM Shinde said at Yeoor during an event held on the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples or World Tribal Day.

"We do not work, keeping in mind the elections. Our aim is only to benefit the citizens of the State and we are committed to the cause," he said.

“The State Government has made a provision of ₹45,000 crore for the Ladki Bahin scheme,” Mr. Shinde said, adding that there was no doubt the scheme would remain operational in the future as well.