Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, launched a blistering attack on the ruling government on Thursday, accusing it of diverting welfare funds meant for the most marginalized sections of society under the guise of the Ladli Behna scheme.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Wadettiwar questioned the priorities of the government, alleging that it was shifting crucial financial resources away from the oppressed, tribals, Dalits, and backward classes, and warned of the long-term impact such decisions could have on the already vulnerable population.

“It is evident that the intentions of this government are highly questionable. They don’t even seem to understand that it was the support of Ladli Behna that brought them to power,” he said, referring to the popular women-centric scheme.

He made it clear that while empowering women is essential, it should not come at the cost of draining existing schemes and benefits from the poorest communities.

“That doesn’t mean they can divert funds meant for the marginalized—like the oppressed, tribals, Dalits, and backward classes—towards the Ladli Behna scheme,” he argued.

Wadettiwar went on to say that if the government truly needed financial resources, it should look to wealthier segments of society instead of taking from those who are already struggling to survive.

“If you need resources, take them from those who have plenty. But this government is sucking the lifeblood of those who are already struggling,” he said.

In his most damning statement, Wadettiwar accused the government of complete insensitivity towards the poorest, stating: “The government is draining the last drop of blood from the poorest sections of society.”

His remarks come amid growing concerns among opposition leaders that the Ladli Behna scheme—originally designed to provide monthly financial aid to women—is being used politically, while neglecting other welfare segments, including education, tribal healthcare, and rural development programs.