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

Mumbai: Maharashtra Government’s flagship Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana could be named after Ajit Pawar as demanded by the NCP legislator Amol Mitkari, who on Tuesday urged the state government to rename its scheme after the late Deputy Chief Minister.

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

“Ajitdada (as Pawar was fondly called) was the favourite brother of women in the State. His wrist would be full of rakhis when he travelled across the State during his yatras. The State Government would give a true tribute to him if it names the scheme as Ajitdadanchi Ladki Bahin scheme (Ajitdada’s Ladki Bahin scheme),” the MLC said.

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

On Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had reiterated that the government would continue the scheme, saying it has significantly benefited women. He also said the monthly assistance would be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100 at an appropriate time.

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

Mitakari has also raised suspicions over the death of party leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash and demanded a high-level probe into the tragedy.

“In his final 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 Chief Minister of Maharashtra to ensure justice by ordering a CBI inquiry. He has given an assurance that a CBI inquiry will be conducted, and I myself will try to meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure a high-level investigation,” Mitkari added.