NAGPUR: Maharashtra’s deputy CM and finance minister, Ajit Pawar, on Saturday defended Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana that will provide Rs 1,500 to eligible women aged 21-60, rejecting the opposition‘s criticism of it as a populist move.
“These schemes are designed to empower citizens and provide support in these challenging times,” Ajit said.In a departure from PM Narendra Modi’s criticism of ‘revdi culture’, Mahayuti govt unveiled a series of populist schemes, including Ladka Bhau Yojana, free LPG cylinders for the poor, and stipends to unemployed youth, in its budget last month.
Former home minister Anil Deshmukh criticised the initiatives as mere freebies. He told TOI, “This is nothing but a desperate attempt to woo voters. Mark my words, if Mahayuti comes to power, these schemes will vanish in three months. Even state finance department raised red flags on unnecessary expenditure.”
Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said, “In the era of skyrocketing inflation, what will women do with a mere Rs 1,500. This is just another hollow promise from BJP.”
BJP spokesperson Girish Vyas defended the schemes. “Ladki Bahin has been a game-changer in Madhya Pradesh. Women affectionately call Shivraj Singh Chouhan ‘Mama’ for his efforts. We’re confident it will revolutionise Maharashtra’s political landscape too. The opposition is creating a false narrative, just like they did before the Lok Sabha polls.”
Political analysts offered a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the popularity of the Ladki Bahin Yojana in Madhya Pradesh but cautioning that Maharashtra’s voters historically differentiate between state and national elections, making the impact unpredictable. “The Mahayuti realised that the ‘anti-freebie’ stance might not work in a state election. But will voters see this as genuine concern or opportunistic politics? That’s the million-dollar question. Will they sway voters or backfire as desperate last-minute ploys? The coming months will tell if Mahayuti’s freebie gambit pays off or if voters see through the pre-election largesse,” they said.
“These schemes are designed to empower citizens and provide support in these challenging times,” Ajit said.In a departure from PM Narendra Modi’s criticism of ‘revdi culture’, Mahayuti govt unveiled a series of populist schemes, including Ladka Bhau Yojana, free LPG cylinders for the poor, and stipends to unemployed youth, in its budget last month.
Former home minister Anil Deshmukh criticised the initiatives as mere freebies. He told TOI, “This is nothing but a desperate attempt to woo voters. Mark my words, if Mahayuti comes to power, these schemes will vanish in three months. Even state finance department raised red flags on unnecessary expenditure.”
Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said, “In the era of skyrocketing inflation, what will women do with a mere Rs 1,500. This is just another hollow promise from BJP.”
BJP spokesperson Girish Vyas defended the schemes. “Ladki Bahin has been a game-changer in Madhya Pradesh. Women affectionately call Shivraj Singh Chouhan ‘Mama’ for his efforts. We’re confident it will revolutionise Maharashtra’s political landscape too. The opposition is creating a false narrative, just like they did before the Lok Sabha polls.”
Political analysts offered a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the popularity of the Ladki Bahin Yojana in Madhya Pradesh but cautioning that Maharashtra’s voters historically differentiate between state and national elections, making the impact unpredictable. “The Mahayuti realised that the ‘anti-freebie’ stance might not work in a state election. But will voters see this as genuine concern or opportunistic politics? That’s the million-dollar question. Will they sway voters or backfire as desperate last-minute ploys? The coming months will tell if Mahayuti’s freebie gambit pays off or if voters see through the pre-election largesse,” they said.