Mumbai, Sep 27 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) has criticized the initiation of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana in Bihar, asserting that it represents merely a “voter bribery scheme” in the lead-up to the state assembly elections.

In a strongly worded editorial in the party's mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray faction condemned the BJP for transferring Rs 10,000 into the bank accounts of 75 lakh women — summing up to a staggering Rs 7,500 crore — characterizing it as an effort to manipulate voters through financial incentives.

It remarked that both the Election Commission of India and the Supreme Court have ignored such occurrences. "Every Indian must denounce this voter bribery scheme. It casts doubt on the transparency and integrity of the elections. This form of purchasing Indian voters and exerting control over democracy is alarming," it added.

The Thackeray camp accused the Election Commission of India of disgraceful conduct, claiming that it, along with the Supreme Court, is facilitating the BJP while holding constitutional positions.

“If these constitutional authorities are functioning as 'extensions' of the BJP, then elections in the country have become a mere charade. The BJP and Nitish Kumar alliance appeared confident about winning the elections. However, Rahul Gandhi disrupted their strategy by alleging vote theft, as seen in Haryana and Maharashtra. Consequently, Prime Minister Modi has concocted a scheme to purchase votes using government resources," it accused.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena further asserted that this bribe, disbursed from the taxpayers' money, constitutes an economic offense, although the authorities claim that the funds will help women establish industries and businesses through the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana.

From the 1.11 crore women who applied, assistance has been granted to 75 lakh. “Elections are slated to occur in Bihar within the next two months. This 'bribery' was distributed to secure votes just days before the election announcement. Prime Minister Modi is encouraging Indian voters to accept money for their votes. The Election Commission should have taken serious notice of this," it stated.

"This situation is unfolding with the tacit approval of the Election Commission of India. Since the BJP assumed power, the scope of government bribery to voters has escalated in each election. Prime Minister Modi seems unwilling to fulfill numerous promises made to the nation. He preaches self-reliance but appears to be weakening voters instead. The recent case of purchasing women's votes in Bihar is indicative of this trend,” the Thackeray camp alleged.

The editorial pointed out that in Maharashtra too, prior to the assembly elections, the BJP and its allies introduced the Ladki Bahin Yojana, effectively buying votes by depositing Rs 1500 into women's accounts. This scheme has adversely impacted Maharashtra's fiscal health, leaving no funds available to assist flood-affected farmers in Marathwada. The state's Finance Minister defends the allocation of Rs 45,000 crore for the Ladki Bahin Yojana, yet neglects to address aid for flood-affected farmers.

“The same tactic is now being implemented in Bihar. To create employment opportunities for women in rural areas, PM Modi has deposited Rs 10,000 into the accounts of 75 lakh women. What sort of industry and employment prospects can be generated in rural regions with just Rs 10,000?" it questioned.

The Thackeray camp alleged that the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana was instituted to ensure that approximately one crore women in Bihar would vote for the BJP. Flood-affected farmers in Marathwada have yet to receive any financial aid, but with an eye on the assembly elections in Bihar, women have received Rs 10,000 from this corruption scheme.

“This is a plundering of the government treasury. This transaction by the Prime Minister qualifies as an economic crime,” it claimed.