Why Did CM Fadnavis Warn MLAs About the Ladki Bahini Yojana?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CM Fadnavis warns MLAs against casual references to the scheme.
- The Ladki Bahin Yojana is a crucial state initiative.
- Government allocates over Rs 6,000 crore for the program.
- Eligible women receive direct financial support.
- e-KYC deadline extended to December 31, 2025.
Nagpur, Dec 9 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis delivered a firm warning to both ruling and opposition MLAs on Tuesday, advising them against casually invoking the state’s flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana during unrelated discussions in the Assembly's Question Hour.
Clearly frustrated by the repeated references to this initiative, CM Fadnavis stated that members must avoid utilizing the scheme for political posturing and warned that such actions could lead to severe repercussions.
“If this persists, you might find yourself sitting at home,” he remarked, resulting in a moment of silence in the House.
The situation escalated when BJP MLA Abhimanyu Pawar, a former aide to Fadnavis, mentioned alleged illegal liquor distribution and made a brief reference to the Ladki Bahin scheme.
Fadnavis promptly interrupted, reiterating his warning: “I have already instructed members not to casually refer to the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana while discussing unrelated matters,” he asserted, emphasizing that this caution applies to all legislators, including those in power.
Previously, Congress MLA Jyoti Gaikwad had brought up the scheme while addressing a different issue, triggering visible signs of the Chief Minister's annoyance.
Fadnavis emphasized that this program is a vital state initiative and should not be dragged into unrelated discussions for political gains. “This scheme is here to stay. It won’t divert funds from any other initiatives. However, unnecessary comments about it should be avoided,” he stated.
After this warning, no member mentioned the scheme for the remainder of the Question Hour.
On Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar presented supplementary demands in the Assembly, which included a budget allocation of Rs 6,103.20 crore specifically for the Ladki Bahin Yojana, underlining the government's commitment to maintaining the initiative.
Eligible women receive Rs 1,500 monthly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. The government has also extended the e-KYC deadline to December 31, 2025.