Madhya Pradesh Minister's Viral Threat to Ladli Behna Beneficiaries Sparks Outrage
A fresh controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh as a senior BJP minister faces severe criticism over remarks allegedly threatening to strike off names of women beneficiaries from the state's flagship Ladli Behna Yojana for failing to attend government programmes. The incident comes less than three months after another cabinet minister stirred a similar row, raising questions about the conditional nature of welfare schemes.
The Viral Video and Alleged Threat
A video circulating widely on social media platforms purportedly shows Revenue Minister Karan Singh Verma, an eight-time sitting BJP MLA from Ichhawar, addressing a gathering in Dhamanda village within his constituency. The minister was inaugurating a government healthcare centre and Ayushman Arogya Mandir on Thursday when he reportedly expressed displeasure at the poor attendance of women beneficiaries.
"The state government has been providing a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to 894 women in this village under the Ladli Behna Yojana, yet their presence at public functions remains unsatisfactory," Verma allegedly stated in the video that went viral on Friday.
The minister further claimed that previous Congress administrations never provided any financial assistance to women, contrasting it with the current BJP government's welfare measures. "How many of the 894 Ladli Behnas in Dhamanda village are present here today? I will instruct the village CEO to summon all beneficiaries. Those who fail to comply will have their names deleted from the Ladli Behna beneficiary list," Verma purportedly warned, adding that a formal report would be submitted regarding the matter.
Minister's Clarification and Apology
Following the viral spread of the video, Minister Verma issued a clarification on Friday evening, asserting that his statements had been "distorted" and taken out of context. "I learned through social media platforms that my speech at the Dhamanda village programme was being presented in a misleading manner. I greeted all Ladli Behnas and audience members with utmost respect," Verma stated.
The minister emphasized that his actual message focused on encouraging women to maximize benefits from self-help groups and various women's empowerment initiatives. "I clearly explained that the purpose of such schemes is to foster self-reliance and provide substantial support to women. The financial assistance provided to women in Madhya Pradesh will continue uninterrupted," he added.
Verma highlighted that Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav extends additional financial help to needy women during national festivals like Independence Day. "This scheme is intrinsically linked to the honour and dignity of our sisters. No one can terminate it. I offer my sincere apologies if my statement inadvertently caused any offense," the minister concluded.
Political Backlash and Broader Context
The incident has triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties, particularly the Congress. State Congress President Jitu Patwari took to social media platform X to condemn the minister's alleged remarks. "Intoxicated by power, BJP government ministers behave as if the Ladli Behna funds are coming from their personal pockets," Patwari posted.
Patwari directly questioned Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, asking whether there exists any official provision allowing removal of beneficiaries who abstain from BJP events. "Have our sisters been reduced to mere audience members for your public functions? This reveals the true character and face of the BJP. Their respect for women lasts only as long as it translates into votes," the Congress leader asserted.
He demanded that the chief minister ensure the minister offers a public apology with folded hands to all women insulted by such statements. This controversy follows closely on the heels of a similar episode involving Minister Vijay Shah, who had earlier demanded respect from Ladli Behnas for the chief minister in exchange for the monthly financial assistance.
The recurring nature of such incidents raises significant concerns about the implementation and perception of welfare schemes in Madhya Pradesh, particularly regarding whether beneficiaries face unofficial conditions beyond the scheme's formal guidelines.
