‘I’ll Go to Jail if Ladki Bahin Scheme Is a Crime'” – Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has strongly defended the ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ and slammed the opposition for challenging the scheme in court. Shinde declared that if the initiative was considered a crime, he was “ready to go to jail” in its defense.

Defending the Scheme Against Opposition

Speaking at the inauguration of party nominee Vishwanath Bhoir’s office in Kalyan West, Shinde urged women voters to support the Shiv Sena and the MahaYuti coalition to defeat the opposition, which he claimed had been pushing to scrap the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The scheme promises ₹1,500 monthly support for women, and Shinde criticized the opposition for opposing it.

“Dear sisters will get ₹1,500 every month under the Ladki Bahin Yojana,” Shinde said. “The opposition has been advocating for its closure. If they approach you during the election campaign, ask them why they want to stop this scheme.”

Grilling the Opposition on Their Stance

Shinde called on women to hold the opposition accountable, questioning why they had taken legal action to halt the scheme. “This is the government of the common man. So whoever comes to you – the stepbrothers, rivals, or opponents – show them their place for opposing the Ladki Bahin Yojana,” he added.

He warned that those who seek to close down the scheme would face significant backlash.

Emphasis on Development Projects

The Chief Minister also highlighted the progress made under the current government, pointing to a series of development projects launched over the past two and a half years. He challenged the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to justify its record during its time in power. “Let the Maha Vikas Aghadi tell about the development works during its rule. We are ready to give our account. Is Maha Vikas Aghadi ready for this?” he asked.

Accusations Against the Previous Government

In a separate rally, Shinde accused the Uddhav Thackeray-led government of obstructing key infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Coastal Road, Aarey Metro car shed, Mumbai Metro 3, Atal Setu, and a park in Mahalakshmi Race Course. “The MahaYuti removed all speed breakers and completed these projects. Had it not been done, then these projects would not have been completed in 15 years,” he claimed.

Shinde also promised that the MahaYuti government would work to bring back Marathi-speaking people who had been displaced from Mumbai.

Reassurance on Mumbai’s Future

Addressing concerns raised by the Shiv Sena-UBT about Mumbai’s future, Shinde dismissed the notion that Mumbai could be separated from Maharashtra after the elections. “It won’t happen. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the Centre’s desire for Mumbai to become a world-class city and a powerhouse. The double-engine government means a double guarantee,” he concluded.

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