Tensions have surfaced within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance, as the Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has expressed displeasure over the omission of Shinde’s name from the promotional materials of the 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme.
The controversy centers on Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) allegedly downplaying Shinde’s role in promoting the scheme.
Shiv Sena's state Excise Minister Shambhuraj Desai voiced concerns, accusing Pawar of "hijacking" the scheme, which provides Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women. Desai pointed out that during Pawar’s public outreach programs, the scheme’s full name, which includes the title "Chief Minister," was omitted, a move that Desai described as a breach of protocol.
"The scheme has 'Chief Minister' in its name, and removing it is inappropriate. This is a state government initiative, and Pawar should have ensured inclusivity in its promotion," Desai remarked.
Ajit Pawar, also serving as Maharashtra's Finance Minister, has been conducting public rallies as part of his party's 'Jan Sanman Yatra' ahead of the state assembly elections. His campaign focuses heavily on the financial benefits of the Ladki Bahin scheme, but the promotional materials used by the NCP refer to the initiative as simply "Majhi Ladki Bahin," excluding the reference to the Chief Minister.
In addition, the NCP released videos featuring beneficiaries of the scheme thanking Ajit Pawar directly, further fueling concerns about sidelining Shinde’s involvement.
The Ladki Bahin scheme was inspired by a similar program, the Ladli Behana scheme, in Madhya Pradesh. As the scheme gains traction, CM Shinde has promised to double the assistance to Rs 3,000 if the Mahayuti alliance retains power in the upcoming elections.