“Funds Collected as ‘Jizya Tax’ via GST”: Jayant Patil Criticizes Mahayuti Schemes in Pune

Parvati, 11th November 2024: During a campaign event for the official Mahavikas Aghadi candidate from Parvati Constituency in the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, former minister Jayant Patil, criticized the Mahayuti government’s Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana. Speaking at a rally on Sinhagad Road in Hingane, Patil questioned the scheme’s timing, asking, “Where was the love for the ‘beloved’ sisters over the past 4.5 years?”

Patil, who is also the Maharashtra State President of the Nationalist Congress Party – Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP), is on a statewide campaign supporting Mahavikas Aghadi candidates. In Hingane, he was joined by key leaders, including Ashwini Kadam, Jaydev Gaikwad, Abhay Chhajed, Aaba Jagtap, Arvind Shinde, Ulhas Pawar, Ankush Kakade, Kumar Gosavi, Ashok Harnawal, Bala Oswal, Bapu Nimbalkar, and Santosh Gopal.

At the rally, Patil accused the government of using funds collected from common citizens through the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to redistribute via schemes like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, referring to it as a “jizya tax.” Criticizing the government’s motives, he reiterated his question, “Where was the love for beloved sisters over the past 4.5 years?” He further pledged that, if elected, their government would enhance the scheme, promising, “We will reduce inflation and, along with that, provide Rs 3,000 per month to our beloved sisters through the Ladki Bahin Scheme.”

Patil also addressed the unresolved issue of traffic congestion on Sinhagad Road, criticizing the lack of progress. He pointed out that many projects in the area are funded by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), accusing Mahayuti MLAs of taking undue credit for PMC’s work.

Additionally, NCP-SP candidate Ashwini Kadam spoke about the rising crime rates in the area and vowed to address these issues if elected.