Pune: CM Shinde Defends Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana Against Opposition Criticisms

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Balewadi, 17th August 2024: The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana 2024 (Chief Minister’s My Beloved Sister Scheme) was launched today at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune.

The event was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol, Ministers Dilip Walse Patil, Chandrakant Patil, Aditi Tatkare, Deputy Chairperson of Maharashtra Legislative Council Dr. Neelam Gorhe, MPs Shrirang Barne, Sunil Tatkare, Medha Kulkarni, and several others.

Heavy opposition criticism occurred at today’s event. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar delivered pointed taunts aimed at the opposition. The scheme was used by the trio to address and counter previous criticisms made by the opposition, heightening political tensions and anticipation.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Shinde strongly defended the scheme, stating, “If anyone tries to disrupt this Ladki Bahin Scheme, you will face me. Don’t mess with the scheme. After we launched this initiative for our beloved sisters, the opposition suddenly started showing love for ‘beloved brothers,’ but this love was never genuine. If it was, they wouldn’t have left.”

Criticizing the opposition for spreading misinformation, he added, “They said this scheme wouldn’t work and spread lies. They should be ashamed. We have deposited the promised money, and there is no culture of corruption in Mahayuti.”

Targeting former CM Uddhav Thackeray, CM Shinde continued, “The opposition always said that the Mahayuti government would fall quickly, but the government did not fall; it became stronger. Those who were praying for this to happen have faced what was bound to happen. Since becoming CM, I have never stopped at home for even one day. I interact with people. I don’t chatter on Facebook until my mouth ‘froths’.”

“Happiest Day in Political Life” – Ajit Pawar

DCM Ajit Pawar also addressed the opposition’s remarks about the scheme, noting that while it brought smiles to women’s faces, they claimed it wouldn’t work and was only temporary. Pawar also mentioned CM Eknath Shinde and DCM Fadnavis, referring to their mothers’ names.

He said, “Support the Mahayuti alliance. Rs 90,000 will be paid over five years. Criticism is now irrelevant; ignore it. They said in the Lok Sabha that the constitution would be changed. Don’t fall for their plot. Mahayuti colleagues are eagerly saying they will get the money back, but this money has been given in the spirit of ‘bhaubeej’ returns. The Chief Minister assures that the money will not be reclaimed. So don’t believe the rumours. One crore three lakh women have received money so far. Today is the happiest day in political life.”

Fadnavis Defends Scheme, Slams Critics’ Claims

Fadnavis, also aggressively defending the scheme, said, “Opponents claim that women are being bought for 1,500 rupees. You worthless individuals! No one can buy a mother’s or sister’s love. This scheme is a gesture of gratitude towards mothers and sisters. Their love and support make us successful. But people born with a silver spoon cannot understand the value of 1,500 rupees.”

Fadnavis also described how this Mahayuti Government is a “Dena Bank,” meaning it gives, not a “Lena Bank,” which means it receives. He promised that the scheme would continue until all women received their money and assured that the payments for July, August, and September would be given together.

Traffic on Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway

Due to the event at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, which is adjacent to the Katraj-Dehu Road Bypass section of the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway, heavy traffic was observed in the area. The influx of VIP and ministerial vehicles contributed significantly to the congestion. Although Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Police had announced traffic changes and alternate routes, many vehicles coming from Mumbai, Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur were unaware of these adjustments, leading to frequent congestion every 5 to 10 minutes.