City
Epaper

Maharashtra Election 2024: Opposition’s Rs 3,000 Monthly Aid for Women Is a Bluff, Says Ajit Pawar

By Lokmat English Desk | Updated: November 7, 2024 14:59 IST

Maharashtra State Assembly Election 2024 has seen the launch of competing financial promises aimed at women and unemployed youth, ...

Open in App

Maharashtra State Assembly Election 2024 has seen the launch of competing financial promises aimed at women and unemployed youth, sparking intense debate between political parties. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's government recently rolled out the "Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana," pledging Rs 1,500 per month for women in certain income brackets. In response, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance—comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress—promised to double this amount, offering Rs 3,000 monthly if they win the election.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, an NCP leader aligned with the current government, criticized the MVA's pledge, calling it unrealistic. Pawar argued that the MVA’s promises could place an undue burden on the state budget, projecting that Rs 3,000 per month to eligible women and Rs 4,000 to unemployed youth would cost around Rs 1.5 lakh crore, or about one-fifth of the state’s Rs 7 lakh crore budget. He highlighted concerns about the feasibility of maintaining such programs alongside mandatory state expenses like salaries and pensions.

Responding to queries about the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) concerns regarding financially heavy state welfare schemes, Pawar noted that while the RBI assesses finances strictly, elected officials must also consider public welfare.

Also Read: "There Was a Bigger Conspiracy": Daughter Poonam Makes Shocking Claim On Father Pramod Mahajan's Murder

In separate matters, Ajit Pawar dismissed the possibility of Prime Minister Modi rallying for him in his Baramati constituency, emphasizing that campaign efforts were better directed to other areas. He also clarified his absence from the Diwali Padva gathering at his uncle Sharad Pawar's residence, explaining it as a logistical decision rather than a sign of discord.

When asked about Sharad Pawar’s recent remarks hinting at possible retirement from parliamentary politics after his current Rajya Sabha term, Ajit Pawar expressed uncertainty, though he referenced Sharad Pawar’s previous decision to remain NCP chief after announcing intentions to step down.

Ajit Pawar also confirmed his support for NCP candidate Nawab Malik in the Mankhurd-Shivajinagar constituency, despite Malik’s ongoing legal issues related to a money laundering case. He remarked that Malik’s charges are allegations until proven, though BJP ally Pravin Darekar indicated his party would not support Malik's campaign. Ajit Pawar acknowledged BJP’s decision as their prerogative.

Tags: Maharashtra assembly election 2024Assembly ElectionsAjit PawarMVAUddhav Thackeray
Open in App

Related Stories

MaharashtraChhota Rajan’s Brother Ashutosh Nikalje Joins Shiv Sena UBT, Uddhav Thackeray Ties Him Shivbandhan

MaharashtraShiv Sena Symbol Case: Supreme Court Postpones Final Hearing to November 12

MaharashtraFadnavis Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi, Defends India’s Constitution, Mocks Uddhav Thackeray’s Frustration

MumbaiDussehra Melava 2025: Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray Compares BJP to Amoeba, Comments on PM’s Manipur Visit

MumbaiDussehra Melava 2025: Only Two Major Rallies Scheduled in Maharashtra – One in Nagpur and the Other at Shivaji Park, Says Sanjay Raut

Maharashtra Realted Stories

MaharashtraMaharashtra: Pregnant Woman Files Case After Boyfriend Refuses Marriage Over Caste

MaharashtraVasai-Virar Autos to Run on Meter from November 15 Onwards; Drivers Violating Rules to Face Action

MumbaiNo Platform Tickets at These Railway Stations from October 15 to Prevent Overcrowding During Festivals

PunePune Crime: Mangalsutra Worth Rs 1 Lakh Snatched in Warje, CCTV Footage Goes Viral

PunePune Accident: Two Killed as PMPML Bus Hits Two-Wheeler at Katraj Ghat Turn