Maharashtra News: ‘If those in the govt….,’ says MVA after Gadkari’s ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana taking away all funds’ remarks

Nitin Gadkari said that Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana could hinder timely subsidy payments, labeling the government a 'vishkanya.' He encouraged independent investments, as the scheme faces scrutiny from opposition parties regarding its financial sustainability before the elections.

Livemint
Published1 Oct 2024, 09:36 AM IST
Maharashtra News: ‘If those in the govt….,’ says MVA after Nitin Gadkari's ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana taking away all funds’ remarks
Maharashtra News: ‘If those in the govt….,’ says MVA after Nitin Gadkari’s ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana taking away all funds’ remarks(PTI)

Union minister Nitin Gadkari has said the Maharashtra government's mega 'Ladki Bahin Yojana', which provides financial assistance to underprivileged women, could affect the timely payment of subsidies in other sectors.

The veteran BJP leader described the government as a "vishkanya' (poisonous maiden) and added it should be kept at bay irrespective of which political party heads it.

Also Read | 4th term for Modi guaranteed or not? Here is what Nitin Gadkari said

"It is uncertain whether investors will receive their subsidy payment on time as the government also has to allocate funds for the Ladki Bahin Yojana," said Gadkari addressing a public event in Nagpur, his Lok Sabha constituency.

Under the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government's flagship welfare scheme 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana', married, divorced, and destitute women aged 21-65 are receiving 1,500 per month as stipend with the annual family income of beneficiaries capped at 2.5 lakh.

The scheme, introduced ahead of the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra, is expected to cost the state exchequer 46,000 crore annually.

Latching onto the BJP leader's comments on Ladki Bahin, coming ahead of polls and a time when the Mahayuti government is aggressively promoting the scheme, the opposition NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) said if those in the government were themselves saying the state's economy was in distress, then it is a matter of concern.

The Minister for Road Transport and Highways said entrepreneurs in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, where Nagpur is located, should come forward for making investment as everything cannot be left to the government.

"My opinion is that irrespective of the government, belonging to any party, keep the government at bay. Government is like a 'vishkanya' (poison maiden) as whosoever it goes along with, it will doom them. So do not get into that matter," he said in a lighter vein.

Also Read | Gadkari reiterates statement about PM offers, says, ‘Will not compromise..’

"If you are getting a subsidy, take it but again it is not sure when will (one) get the subsidy. With the Ladki Bahin Yojana being started, they have to use the funds, allocated for subsidy, for that work," said the former BJP president.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has called the scheme financially unviable and Gadkari's latest comments provided fresh ammunition to Mahayuti's rivals to attack the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition government.

"Gadkari made a pertinent statement. If there is misuse and mismanagement of funds at a time when the treasury is lacking funds and the government is suspending other schemes, does the Union government have some responsibility (regarding the state's plan)?" Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said.

Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis sought to downplay Gadkari's comments, saying he has certain style of saying things and put across his views.

Also Read | Everything being taken to Gujarat: Uddhav Thackeray slams Maharashtra CM Shinde

The Maharashtra election is expected to witness a two-way fight between the MVA coalition, of the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP - Sharad Pawar and the Congress, and theMahayuti Allianceof the BJP, Shiv Sena-Eknath Shinde and NCP-Ajit Pawar.

Government is like a 'vishkanya' (poison maiden) as whosoever it goes along with, it will doom them.

In 2019 the BJP and undivided Sena coalition had come to power in the state but later split.

(With PTI inputs)

Key Takeaways
  • The ’Ladki Bahin Yojana’ aims to assist underprivileged women but raises questions about funding sustainability.
  • Gadkari’s comments reflect broader concerns about the economic implications of welfare schemes ahead of elections.
  • Political rivalries intensify as opposition parties leverage government statements to challenge the ruling coalition.

Catch all the live action on Elections and get exclusive coverage on Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 with Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.

MoreLess
First Published:1 Oct 2024, 09:36 AM IST
Business NewsElectionsMaharashtra News: ‘If those in the govt….,’ says MVA after Gadkari’s ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana taking away all funds’ remarks

Get Instant Loan up to ₹10 Lakh!

  • Employment Type

    Most Active Stocks

    Tata Steel share price

    167.75
    09:19 AM | 1 OCT 2024
    -0.7 (-0.42%)

    Tata Power share price

    487.90
    09:19 AM | 1 OCT 2024
    5.2 (1.08%)

    Indian Oil Corporation share price

    180.55
    09:19 AM | 1 OCT 2024
    0.5 (0.28%)

    NTPC share price

    444.85
    09:19 AM | 1 OCT 2024
    1.75 (0.39%)
    More Active Stocks

    Market Snapshot

    • Top Gainers
    • Top Losers
    • 52 Week High

    Caplin Point Laboratories share price

    1,979.15
    09:19 AM | 1 OCT 2024
    81.6 (4.3%)

    Bikaji Foods International share price

    960.95
    09:19 AM | 1 OCT 2024
    38.2 (4.14%)

    Kfin Technologies share price

    1,064.00
    09:19 AM | 1 OCT 2024
    40.2 (3.93%)

    Kalpataru Projects International share price

    1,409.00
    09:19 AM | 1 OCT 2024
    41.45 (3.03%)
    More from Top Gainers

    Recommended For You

      More Recommendations

      Gold Prices

      • 24K
      • 22K
      Bangalore
      77,405.000.00
      Chennai
      77,411.000.00
      Delhi
      77,563.000.00
      Kolkata
      77,415.000.00

      Fuel Price

      • Petrol
      • Diesel
      Bangalore
      102.86/L0.00
      Chennai
      100.85/L-0.13
      Kolkata
      104.95/L0.00
      New Delhi
      94.72/L0.00

      Popular in Elections

        HomeMarketsPremiumInstant LoanMint Shorts