Pre-poll masterstroke, post-poll burden: Ladki Bahin scheme’s Maharashtra journey
The Maharashtra government recently removed 92 lakh beneficiaries from the Ladki Bahin Yojana, reducing eligible women from 2.46 crore to 1.51 crore. Initially launched in 2024 to secure women's votes, the scheme provided ₹1,500 monthly to eligible women, contributing to the NDA alliance's electoral success. The current government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, cited non-eligibility as the reason for this significant cut, revealing the financial burden of populist policies.