The political landscape in Maharashtra has intensified as the state approaches crucial local body elections, with the ruling Mahayuti alliance partners engaged in a fierce competition to claim ownership of the popular Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. The scheme, which provides monthly financial assistance to women, has become the centerpiece of campaign rhetoric as parties vie for women voters who constitute nearly half of the state's electorate.
Three Leaders, One Scheme: The Credit Battle Intensifies
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a strong pitch for the scheme during a campaign rally in Washim on Sunday, emphatically stating that the program would continue indefinitely. "I want to reassure my sisters, as long as this Devabhau is there, the Ladki Bahin Yojana will not end. It is my promise and commitment to empower women," Fadnavis declared. He highlighted the government's achievement of creating 50 lakh Lakhpati Didi beneficiaries against a target of 1 crore, positioning the scheme as a long-term women's empowerment initiative rather than merely an election promise.
Not to be outdone, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde asserted his primacy in launching the welfare measure during his address in Nashik. The Shiv Sena president recalled facing opposition when he initially introduced the scheme during his tenure as chief minister. "When I was chief minister, I launched the Ladki Bahin Yojna. At that time, many disapproved of the scheme and opposed it tooth and nail. But I went ahead," Shinde stated, positioning himself as the "ladla bhau" (dear brother) committed to women's financial independence.
Financial Backing and Political Calculations
Completing the trio of claimants, Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar emphasized his role as finance minister in supporting the scheme despite its substantial financial implications. "Despite huge financial expenditures, as the finance minister, I have always supported Ladki Bahin Yojna," Pawar reiterated, aligning himself with the government's women upliftment agenda.
The scheme, which costs the state government approximately ₹45,000 crore annually, initially enrolled 2.5 crore women beneficiaries. However, subsequent scrutiny identified 77,000 ineligible recipients, prompting the government to implement stricter eligibility criteria and monitoring mechanisms. This move attracted criticism from opposition parties Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), who questioned the implementation process.
Election Timeline and Political Significance
With elections for 246 municipal councils and 42 municipal panchayats scheduled for December 2 and results declaration on December 3, the timing of this credit war is strategically significant. Additionally, elections for 32 zilla parishads and 29 municipal corporations are anticipated in late December or January next year, making women voters a crucial demographic for all political parties.
Opposition leader Vijay Waddetiwar expressed skepticism about the ruling alliance's motives, suggesting that the scheme might be discontinued post-elections under the pretext of financial unviability. "All three parties are trying to take the credit for the scheme to win votes. But once local body elections are over, they may scrap the scheme, saying it is not feasible," Waddetiwar cautioned.
The Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched in July 2024 by the Mahayuti government under then chief minister Eknath Shinde, provides ₹1,500 monthly allowance to eligible women aged between 18 and 65 years. The scheme's conceptual origins can be traced to Madhya Pradesh's Ladli Bahena scheme, which Maharashtra adapted following the BJP's impressive performance in the Lok Sabha elections where the party secured 132 seats, with alliance partners Shiv Sena winning 57 and NCP 41 seats.
The Mahayuti alliance currently commands 235 seats in the 288-member state legislative Assembly, with the upcoming local body elections serving as a critical test of the coalition's popularity and the effectiveness of its welfare schemes in appealing to women voters.
