Political Tensions Flare Over Maharashtra's 'Ladki Bahin' Scheme

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule criticized the ruling Mahayuti allies in Maharashtra for their internal squabbles around the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme. She accused the government of using the scheme for political gains rather than women's empowerment. The scheme, offering Rs 1,500 per month to women, has caused friction among coalition partners Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP.

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule on Friday denounced the infighting among the Mahayuti coalition partners in Maharashtra over the contentious 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, describing the discord as revealing the true motivations of the government.

Sule alleged that the Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government only started advocating for women's issues after a setback in the Lok Sabha elections. She asserted that the Ladki Bahin scheme, which offers Rs 1,500 monthly to women, was introduced for political profit rather than genuine empowerment.

Expressing her discontent, Sule remarked that self-respecting women were being misled by the government's maneuvers. The lack of unity among coalition ministers over claiming credit for the scheme, she argued, disrespects the essence of brother-sister relationships. The controversy escalated as Excise Minister Shambhuraj Desai criticized Deputy CM Ajit Pawar for allegedly hijacking the scheme's title.

(With inputs from agencies.)