Allegations of Irregularities in Ladki Bahin Yojana: A Vote-Baiting Scandal?

The NCP (SP) accused BJP-led Mahayuti of misusing the Ladki Bahin Yojana, intended for low-income women, to win the 2024 Maharashtra polls. Alleged irregularities include wrongful disbursement to men. Calls for an SIT probe and responsibility by CM Fadnavis highlight the scandal’s political implications.

The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) has accused the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance of exploiting the Ladki Bahin Yojana, initially created for women from low-income households, as a tool to sway voters during the November 2024 assembly polls in Maharashtra.

NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto revealed through an RTI query that funds were allegedly disbursed to 12,431 men instead of the scheme's intended female beneficiaries. The total amount improperly allocated stands at Rs 24.24 crore. Crasto criticized the government for what he termed "hilarious chicanery," accusing it of bending the rules to gather electoral support.

The scandal has led to calls for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry to uncover further misdeeds. Allegations of a broader Rs 164 crore scam and misuse of government machinery have surfaced, prompting Shiv Sena leaders to demand accountability from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

(With inputs from agencies.)