Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut has launched a scathing attack on the Maharashtra government following its decision to reduce the monthly assistance under the Ladki Bahin Yojana from ₹1,500 to ₹500 for women who are also beneficiaries of the Namo Shetkari Yojana.
The move, which affects approximately eight lakh women across the state, has already stirred political backlash, and Raut's comments have further intensified the debate.
Speaking to the media, Sanjay Raut said,
“Instead of ₹1,500, only ₹500 will now be given to our beloved sisters. Let those sisters now question the government. The value of their vote, which was once bought for ₹1,500, has now come down to just ₹500. Soon, that value may become zero.”
He continued his critique by pointing to the dire financial state of Maharashtra, alleging that the government is struggling even to pay employee salaries.
“The financial condition of the state is extremely serious. No matter how many scandals Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stages or how much he pretends to be in control, managing the state’s finances has become an uphill battle,” Raut said.
Raut didn’t stop at criticizing the scheme — he further accused the ruling coalition of failing to maintain financial discipline over the past three and a half years.
“This government has completely ruined the state’s economic management. Even Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar may be silent in public, but he is deeply concerned,” Raut claimed.
He also alleged tensions within the ruling alliance, revealing a supposed complaint from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“Eknath Shinde complained that Ajit Pawar is not approving their files. The 20–25 traitors you have managed to hold onto are still with you only because of the lure of money. Is this your idea of governance — seeking permission to loot the state treasury?”
Raut’s comments come at a time when the Ladki Bahin Yojana—once considered a flagship welfare initiative aimed at empowering women—has come under scrutiny. The reduction in financial assistance due to scheme overlap with the Namo Shetkari Yojana has not only disappointed beneficiaries but has also provided ammunition for the opposition to question the government’s priorities and fiscal planning.
With elections on the horizon and public sentiment wavering, such statements could significantly influence the political narrative in Maharashtra.