20-06-2025
‘Every daughter-in-law is my beloved sister': Deputy CM Eknath Shinde launches ‘Dowry-Free Maharashtra' campaign
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Thursday announced the launch of the 'Dowry-Free Maharashtra' campaign under the Shiv Sena Mahila Aghadi, the party's women's wing, to 'ensure those who harass our sisters are dealt with firmly'.
Shinde formally launched the anti-dowry drive, and unveiled the campaign's official logo during the Shiv Sena's 59th Foundation Day event held in Worli.
The deputy CM said the Shiv Sena Mahila Aghadi will implement the Dowry-Free Maharashtra campaign across the state.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of the death of Vaishnavi Hagawane in Pune, allegedly due to dowry harassment.
According to the police, Vaishnavi Hagawane allegedly died by suicide at her in-laws' house in the Pune district on May 16.
Shinde said that after Hagawane's death, the entire state of Maharashtra was shaken.
'From now on, every daughter-in-law of Maharashtra is my beloved sister. The campaign will kick start from Anand Ashram in Thane, and will be expanded across the state through the Sena shakhas. Every Sena shakha will now be the first maternal home for our beloved daughters-in-law who are facing dowry-related harassment. Our Mahila Aghadi will ensure those who harass our sisters are dealt with firmly,' Shinde said.
He said that to prevent dowry-related deaths, the Sena's women's wing will reach every corner of Maharashtra, and fight for the rights of women who are being harassed for dowry.
It will provide legal support, drive public awareness, and deliver justice for dowry‑harassed women.
The NCP (SP), led by party MP Supriya Sule, has also launched a statewide anti‑dowry campaign called 'Dowry‑Free, Violence‑Free Maharashtra.'
It's set to begin Sunday, June 22, and run for a full year, aiming to cultivate cross-party unity and lasting awareness against dowry and harassment of women.
