War of words between Sena and NCP over omission of ‘CM’ in Ladki Bahin scheme ad

While the issue was raised in the state Cabinet on Thursday, Ajit Pawar was absent due to ill-health.

After the presentation of the performance of the scheme by the Women and Child Welfare department, Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai questioned how the Chief Minister’s name could be removed from the advertisement.

Since Pawar was absent, senior NCP minister Chhagan Bhujbal pacified him saying CM’s name will not be removed from anywhere. The Chief Minister and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis too tried to ease the situation. Shinde said that all three parties need to stick together and work together and avoid any differences.

However, NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil said that there was no need for the Sena to get agitated.

“After the state Budget, Sena raised banners giving credit to Eknath Shinde. Did we raise any objection? On another occasion, Sena minister Tanaji Sawant had attacked our minister on which the Chief Minister did not say anything. What does it indicate?” asked Patil.

Earlier, the government informed that 1.59 crore women have been the beneficiaries of this scheme and Rs 4,787 crore have been distributed.

Under this scheme,  Rs 1,500 will be transferred into the bank accounts of eligible women in the age group of 21 to 65 every month.