Tensions Rise in Maharashtra Over Scheme's Advertising

A Shiv Sena minister has criticized NCP and its president Ajit Pawar for excluding Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's name from promotional material for the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana.' This scheme provides financial aid to women. The controversy emerges as both parties engage in public outreach ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections.

Fissures have surfaced within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti coalition over the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' as a Shiv Sena minister raised objections against the NCP and its president Ajit Pawar for ''omitting'' Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's name from the scheme's advertisements and promotional materials.

State Excise Minister Shambhuraj Desai, who is affiliated with Shiv Sena led by CM Shinde, voiced his discontent on Friday regarding Deputy CM Pawar's virtual ''hijacking'' of the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme, which offers monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 to eligible women. Desai criticized Pawar for not adhering to the protocol by excluding the full name of the scheme during public outreach events.

Desai insisted, ''The scheme includes 'Chief Minister' in its name, and removing it is inappropriate. It should not have been done.'' The controversy arises ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, slated for November. Deputy CM Pawar has been conducting a 'Jan Sanman Yatra' to highlight the benefits of the financial aid provided under the Ladki Bahin and other schemes. Promotional materials from NCP have cited the scheme as just 'Majhi Ladki Bahin,' sparking concerns. In various rallies, CM Shinde promised that if re-elected, the scheme's benefits would double to Rs 3,000.

(With inputs from agencies.)