Sanjay Raut demands Ajit Pawar's resignation over alleged ‘loot of funds' in Ladki Bahin scheme
Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Monday criticised Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and the handling of the Mukhyamantri Maajhi Laadki Bahin Yojana by the Maharashtra government's Finance Department, and demanded Mr. Ajit Pawar's resignation over alleged misappropriation of funds.
'Finance Minister Ajit Pawar has to atone as he let the loot of government funds happen. Ajit Pawar allowed men to avail benefits under the names of women, and let government employees become beneficiaries just to receive votes. So, he must resign,' Mr. Raut said at a media interaction in Nashik, when asked about Mr. Ajit Pawar's admission that there had been errors in the enforcement of the scheme.
Mr. Raut's criticism came after reports came to light of 2,289 government employees, who are not eligible to apply, availing benefits under the Ladki Bahin Yojana. While scrutinising over two lakh applications, 2,289 government employees were found to have benefited from the scheme, Women and Child Department Minister Aditi Tatkare has said.
The ruling Mahayuti government launched the Ladki Bahin Yojana in August 2024, ahead of the Assembly election in November that year. Under the scheme, eligible women (excluding government employees) are entitled to a monthly allowance of ₹1,500.
Mr. Ajit Pawar on Sunday said that a detailed verification process had been impossible due to shortage of time as the Assembly election neared, and clarified that 'no action will be taken against the government employees'.
'Who paid for this scheme? Who looted the money of this State? These leaders have allowed the money of this State to be looted. Who should atone for it?' Mr. Raut said, highlighting the need for stricter verification processes.
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