Nagpur: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray has voiced his skepticism about the longevity of the “Ladki Behen” scheme, predicting that it will not last long in the state. Speaking at a press conference at Ravi Bhavan in Nagpur on Saturday, Thackeray commented on the scheme for the first time, suggesting that it may not guarantee votes for the ruling MahaYuti alliance.
The “Ladki Behen” scheme, currently active in Maharashtra, has gained significant popularity among women, with the first two installments already deposited into their accounts. The Maharashtra government has allocated crores of rupees for this initiative. However, Thackeray questioned the sustainability of the scheme, stating, “The first installment has been disbursed, and the second will follow soon, but where is the money after that?”
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Thackeray criticized the concept of giving “free money” to the state’s citizens, emphasizing that people need jobs, not handouts. “Farmers don’t need free electricity; they need fair prices for their produce. This money belongs to the taxpayers, and instead of giving away freebies, the government should focus on providing employment,” he asserted. Thackeray also dismissed the notion that the scheme was solely responsible for political success in Madhya Pradesh, noting that other factors likely contributed.
Addressing the upcoming state assembly elections, Thackeray highlighted the importance of understanding what the public really wants. He criticized the current approach, questioning the efficacy of offering cash for votes. “People are smart. They may take the money but won’t necessarily vote for you. Someone told me that on election day in Kolhapur, bags of money are hung on doors, one for each voter. How would anyone know who voted for whom?” he remarked.
Thackeray is currently touring Vidarbha to assess potential candidates for his party in the upcoming elections, with the tour set to conclude tomorrow.
