Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has launched a scathing attack on the Opposition for their continued criticism of the Ladli Behna Yojana, a welfare scheme aimed at empowering women. Shinde, addressing the media, claimed that the Opposition had been against the scheme from the very beginning and labeled it as mere election propaganda.
“The Opposition has been opposing the Ladli Behna Yojana since day one. They had been saying that this scheme is bad and just an election ‘jumla’. They even went to court because they were scared as this scheme has become a superhit,” Shinde said.
Shinde further emphasized the commitment of his government, remarking, “Ours is a government which provides. We do what we say.”
In a direct challenge to the Opposition, Shinde questioned their achievements during their tenure. “I challenge them to show us what they did in 2.5 years. Public will decide… They have already decided that Mahayuti will form the government once again with full majority,” he added.
The Ladli Behna Yojana, which provides financial aid to women, has been a flagship initiative of the Shinde government, and its popularity has become a focal point in the ongoing political battle in Maharashtra. The scheme has been criticized by Opposition parties as being politically motivated, but Shinde remains confident that its success will pave the way for his alliance, Mahayuti, to win the upcoming elections.
This bold statement comes amid growing tensions between the ruling coalition and the Opposition, with both sides gearing up for the next political contest in Maharashtra.