Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana: Empowerment or Election Gimmick?

Former Union minister Bhagwat Karad defended the Maharashtra government's Ladki Bahin Yojana, stating that it aims to empower women, with a budget of Rs 46,000 crore. He criticized the opposition for calling it an election trick. Karad also addressed other issues, including the BJP's electoral prospects and pending salaries of visiting lecturers.

Former Union minister Bhagwat Karad on Friday defended the Maharashtra government's Ladki Bahin Yojana, asserting that the scheme is designed to empower women and is backed by a substantial Rs 46,000 crore provision.

Karad criticized the opposition for labeling the scheme as an election gimmick and spreading misinformation about its potential discontinuation.

'The scheme is intended to uplift women, not manipulate voters. Similar initiatives have already been successfully implemented in other states, like Madhya Pradesh. There's growing demand from regions like Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently aimed at uplifting women, farmers, youth, and the underprivileged through various welfare schemes,' Karad stated at a press conference.

He further asserted that the BJP-led alliance is set to win all six assembly seats from Latur district in the upcoming state elections. Addressing the issue of pending salaries for visiting lecturers at government polytechnic colleges, Karad promised to discuss the matter with state minister for higher and technical education, Chandrakant Patil.

(With inputs from agencies.)