Did Congress Target MP Minister Vijay Shah for His Remarks on Ladli Behna Yojana?
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Bhopal, Dec 14 (NationPress) The political climate in Madhya Pradesh has escalated once more as Minister Vijay Shah, known for his controversial statements, made a provocative comment concerning the Ladli Behna Yojana. During a session of the District Development Advisory Committee held in Ratlam, Shah insisted that women beneficiaries of the program must participate in a felicitation event for the Chief Minister to demonstrate their appreciation.
He cautioned that those who do not attend might find their financial assistance applications delayed.
Congress leaders highlighted Shah’s past of inappropriate comments. Jitu Patwar, the Congress state president, sharply criticized, stating, “The cherished sisters whom the BJP ought to honor are instead being disrespected by its ministers.”
“From offensive remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi to threats directed at the mothers and sisters of Madhya Pradesh, this shows the BJP’s frustrated and anti-women attitude. If the BJP holds any semblance of morality, it should call for Shah’s immediate resignation.”
Shah allegedly informed officials that since the government is disbursing crores of rupees under the scheme, which provides Rs 1,500 per month to each beneficiary, it is only just for women to express their gratitude at least once to the Chief Minister.
Furthermore, he mentioned that beneficiaries who recently received an increase of Rs 250 in payments would be scrutinized, and their applications could be suspended if they did not comply by attending the event to show respect to the Chief Minister.
These remarks have incited outrage, with Congress leaders accusing Shah of insulting millions of women across the state.
Former Minister P.C. Sharma condemned the statement as “an affront to the dignity of Ladli Behna beneficiaries” and called for Shah’s prompt dismissal.
He asserted that the BJP's inaction on this matter equates to tacit approval, emphasizing that the party has failed to take action following Shah’s previous controversial comments.
In Indore, Shah had made disparaging remarks about Colonel Sophia Qureshi, a decorated officer involved in Operation Sindoor. In 2013, he resigned after making indecent comments about Sadhna Singh, the wife of former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. More recently, in 2022, he stirred controversy by mocking Rahul Gandhi's unmarried status during a rally in Khandwa.
With nearly 250,000 women registered under the Ladli Behna Yojana in Ratlam district alone, Shah’s comments have ignited widespread discussions, intensifying the political conflict surrounding women’s dignity and government accountability in Madhya Pradesh.