NCP Leader Demands Renaming Of ‘Ladki Bahin’ Scheme After Late Ajit Pawar

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Government’s flagship Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana may have Ajit Pawar’s name on the request of NCP legislator Amol Mitkari, who on Tuesday urged the state government to name the scheme after the late Deputy Chief Minister.

“‘Ladki Bahin Yojana’ was primarily shaped by the vision and planning of Ajit Pawar. As Finance Minister, he provided the necessary funding for this scheme. Therefore, Ajit Pawar’s memory should be preserved through this scheme and this will be the true tribute paid to him by sisters across the state,” Mitkari said.

“Ajitdada (as Pawar was fondly called) was the favorite brother of women in the State. His wrist would be full of rakhis as he traveled across the State during his yatras. The State Government will pay a real tribute to him if it calls the scheme Ajitdadanchi Ladki Bahin scheme (Ajitdada’s Ladki Bahin scheme),” the MLC said.

The Ladki Bahin scheme, announced by Pawar while serving as finance minister and launched in July 2024, provides monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 through direct bank transfers to eligible women between the ages of 21 and 65. The initiative is seen as a key factor behind the landslide victory of the BJP-led Mahayuti in the 2024 Vidhan Sabha elections.

Deputy Prime Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday reiterated that the government will continue the programme, saying it has significantly benefited women. He also said that the monthly allowance will be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 at an appropriate time.

Ajit Pawar and four others died in a plane crash in Baramati in Pune district on January 28.

Mitakari also raised doubts over party leader Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash and demanded a high-level inquiry into the tragedy.

“In his last moments, there was a sudden change of route, a sudden change of pilot… Not a single piece of paper was burned, but the bodies were burned. This raises some suspicions,” he said.

“I have requested the Maharashtra Chief Minister to ensure justice by ordering a CBI probe. He assured that a CBI probe will be conducted and I will try to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure a high-level investigation,” Mitkari added.