With the Maharashtra Assembly elections fast approaching, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took center stage at a public rally held at Katekar Ground in Bhiwandi’s Kamatghar area, where he presented his vision for Bhiwandi’s development and promised to expand the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojna’ if his government remains in power. Accompanied by local Shivsena candidates—two-term MLA Mahesh Chugule from Bhiwandi West, MLA Shantaram More from Bhiwandi Rural, and Santosh Shetty from Bhiwandi East—Shinde’s rally was a significant moment in the run-up to the elections.
During his speech, Shinde vowed to enhance the benefits provided under the Ladki Bahin Yojna, a scheme aimed at uplifting women, which he described as a “lifeline for Ladki Bahins.” He emphasized that the current benefits of ₹1,500 could rise to ₹2,000, and from ₹2,500 to ₹3,000 if his government is re-elected. “Our goal,” he said, “is to make every Ladki Bahin self-reliant and financially secure. Unlike previous governments, which focused on collecting installments, we are committed to giving monthly benefits.”
Shinde also took the opportunity to respond to criticisms from the opposition, who have reportedly claimed that leaders responsible for the scheme could face jail time if they come into power. Shinde rebuked the opposition’s stance, framing it as a threat to the support system for women and urged the public to decide if they wanted those who advocate for their welfare to face punishment. “Do you want to send your brothers to jail for helping you?” he asked, drawing applause from the audience.
Looking beyond the Ladki Bahin Yojna, Shinde also addressed his government’s vision for the city of Bhiwandi. He outlined plans to invest in road infrastructure, slum redevelopment, and pollution reduction initiatives without the demolition of slum homes, vowing to model Bhiwandi’s growth after Thane. “Once our MLAs win, we’ll transform Bhiwandi,” Shinde promised, highlighting the city’s potential to become a traffic-free, clean, and developed hub. Shinde, projecting himself as a “common man” dedicated to the people, assured residents that his administration would focus on practical solutions for their needs.
The rally ended with a hopeful appeal from Shinde for continued support, emphasizing that his government is committed to delivering tangible benefits and infrastructure improvements in Bhiwandi and beyond, setting the stage for an intense electoral battle in Maharashtra.