Fadnavis loses cool over repeated mention of Ladki Bahin scheme

By Admin

10 Dec, 2025

The Maharashtra Assembly on Tuesday witnessed tense moments as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed frustration over the repeated invocation of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme during the Question Hour, even when the raised issues were unrelated to the flagship welfare program.

The heated exchange began when Abhimanyu Dattatray Pawar, BJP MLA from Ausa (Latur) and former personal assistant to Mr. Fadnavis, mentioned the scheme while discussing the persistent issue of illegal liquor in rural areas. “We call them Ladki Bahin, but their biggest pain is illegal liquor. We keep mentioning Ladki Bahin when sisters in rural areas raise their grievances related to illegal liquor,” he said.

The remark appeared to irritate the Chief Minister, who responded sharply, warning lawmakers against unnecessary references to the scheme.
“No need to mention Ladki Bahin in everything, otherwise you will have to sit at home. The scheme will go on, and women will continue to receive a monthly instalment. Do not compare with other schemes,” Mr. Fadnavis cautioned.

A Scheme Surrounded by Controversies

Launched in July 2024 ahead of the State Assembly elections, the Ladki Bahin scheme provides monthly financial assistance to women aged 21 to 65 with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh. Beneficiaries currently receive ₹1,500 per month, with the Mahayuti alliance promising to increase it to ₹2,500 monthly if elected to power. The scheme, though popular, has also been surrounded by political controversy and frequent debates in the House.

Opposition Questions Inaction on Illegal Liquor

Reiterating past concerns, Mr. Pawar reminded the Assembly that the issue of illegal liquor had been raised in the previous session as well. Despite directions given to the Excise and Food Departments, “nothing substantial has been done,” he alleged. He demanded stricter penalties under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act of 1949   raising imprisonment for illegal and counterfeit liquor sales to more than seven years and increasing fines from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh.

Women’s Safety Sparks Another Debate

The discussion took another turn when Congress MLA Jyoti Gaikwad questioned the government’s priorities, asking whether the ₹1,500 monthly aid under the Ladki Bahin scheme mattered more than the safety of women.
“What will you do to improve the safety and security of women?” she asked.

In response, Mr. Fadnavis maintained that linking every issue to the Ladki Bahin scheme was unnecessary.
“Security and safety are important, but you cannot compare them with a scheme. The 2.5 crore women in the State have accepted the scheme, will continue it, and work on safety issues,” he said.

Conclusion

The session underscored growing tensions between welfare politics and administrative accountability. While the Ladki Bahin scheme remains a powerful political tool benefiting millions of women, lawmakers continue to question whether pressing issues such as illegal liquor trade and women’s safety are receiving the attention they urgently deserve. The Chief Minister’s sharp response also signals the government’s growing impatience with attempts to politicize the scheme during legislative debates.