The political atmosphere in Maharashtra has heated up as the opposition Congress party launched a sharp attack on the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The Congress has accused alliance leaders of being "selfish brothers" who are strategically deploying the popular 'Ladki Bahin' financial assistance scheme to woo voters ahead of crucial civic body elections.
A Scheme in the Political Crossfire
At the heart of the controversy is the timing of the disbursement of instalments under the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant led the charge, alleging that the ruling coalition is manipulating the scheme for electoral gains. Sawant emphasized a critical point of principle, stating that the funds distributed under the scheme belong to the public. "The instalment is paid from taxpayers' money and it is not the private property of those in power," Sawant asserted. This statement directly challenges the narrative of the ruling parties, framing the benefit as a government entitlement rather than a personal gift from politicians.
The Accusation of Opportunism
The Congress's criticism centers on the allegation of calculated opportunism. The party contends that the Mahayuti government, which includes the BJP, is releasing the scheme's funds not as part of a routine administrative schedule, but with an eye on the upcoming municipal polls. By labeling alliance leaders as "vote-seeking 'selfish brothers'," the Congress aims to paint a picture of a coalition more interested in short-term political survival than in genuine public welfare. The attack seeks to undermine the credibility of the scheme's rollout and question the motives of prominent leaders like Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and others within the Mahayuti fold.
Broader Implications for Maharashtra Politics
This war of words, reported on 12 January 2026, is more than just a routine political exchange. It highlights the intense battleground that local body elections have become in Maharashtra. The 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, a significant women-oriented welfare initiative, is now a key political tool. The Congress's strategy is to separate the scheme's popular intent from the actions of the current administration, arguing that public money should not be used as a partisan campaign resource. This confrontation sets the stage for a fiercely contested election cycle, where governance and populist measures will be intensely scrutinized and debated by all sides.
The political discourse now revolves around the ethical use of welfare schemes. As the civic polls draw nearer, the public will watch to see if the Congress's accusations gain traction and how the Mahayuti alliance defends its position on the timing and purpose of the financial aid distribution.
