In a surprising turn of events, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has emerged as a critic of his own party’s initiatives, casting doubt on the Maharashtra government’s ambitious Ladki Bahin scheme just as the state gears up for Assembly elections after Diwali. This initiative, designed to provide financial assistance to women, has become a focal point for Gadkari, who warns it may jeopardize timely subsidies in other sectors.
Speaking at a public event in Nagpur on Monday, Gadkari voiced his concerns, saying, “Will investors get their subsidies on time? Who knows? We have to fund the Ladki Bahin scheme too!” His remarks highlight a growing anxiety about potential funding issues, suggesting that money intended for other subsidies could be diverted to support the scheme.
The political irony of Gadkari’s comments has not gone unnoticed, as opposition parties have quickly seized the opportunity to criticize the ruling government. The Congress, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) have pointed out that Gadkari’s acknowledgment of the state’s financial challenges signals a dire situation for Maharashtra’s economy. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh remarked that Gadkari’s stance reflects a lack of fiscal responsibility within the Mahayuti government, calling the Ladki Bahin Yojana a “desperate electoral ploy” to distract from the state’s economic woes.
In a lighter yet poignant tone, Gadkari referred to government initiatives as akin to a “vishkanya” (poison maiden), cautioning citizens to remain wary: “My opinion is that irrespective of the government, belonging to any party, keep the government at bay. Whosoever goes along with it will doom themselves.” He further advised, “If you are getting a subsidy, take it, but again, it is not sure when one will get it.”
The Ladki Bahin Yojana promises a monthly stipend of ₹1,500 for women aged 21-65, provided their family’s income does not exceed ₹2.5 lakh. However, with an estimated cost of ₹46,000 crore to the state’s treasury, the scheme has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of Maharashtra’s existing economic challenges.
Gadkari’s public critique of the scheme and the state’s finances carries weight, especially as the opposition capitalizes on his statements to highlight the government’s perceived mismanagement. With elections on the horizon, the political landscape in Maharashtra appears increasingly fraught, as both the ruling party and opposition scramble to navigate the implications of Gadkari’s candid remarks.
As the political drama unfolds, Maharashtra finds itself at a crossroads, with the Ladki Bahin Yojana serving as a potential flashpoint in the upcoming electoral battle.
