Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Scheme: 92 Lakh Removed After Polls, Opposition Alleges Vote-Buying

The Maharashtra government has removed over 92 lakh beneficiaries from the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a cash transfer scheme for women, following a post-election verification exercise. This accounts for nearly 38% of the scheme's peak enrolment of 2.43 crore women, according to government records reviewed by The Indian Express.

The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has questioned the timing of the verification, alleging that the scheme was used to influence voters before the Assembly elections. Leaders pointed out that an estimated Rs 14,000 crore was paid to women later found ineligible, and demanded recovery of the funds and accountability from officials.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused the government of bringing the scheme 'to buy votes' and called for action against those responsible for the payments. Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar asked why ineligible women were paid in the first place, and why the verification could not be done before the elections.

Congress state president Harshvardhan Sapkal noted that the government had promised to increase the monthly aid to Rs 2,100 after the elections, a promise yet to be fulfilled. NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto highlighted the steady rise in deletion figures, from 26 lakh to 80 lakh and now 92 lakh.

Ministers in the ruling Mahayuti coalition defended the exercise, stating that removed beneficiaries did not meet eligibility criteria such as income ceiling or proper eKYC. Minister Uday Samant said no eligible woman was removed, while Minister Sanjay Shirsat confirmed that the verification would continue. Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare explained that the mandatory eKYC could not be done earlier due to the Model Code of Conduct during elections.

The government records show that nearly 62 lakh beneficiaries were removed for not completing eKYC, while others exceeded the income limit, belonged to government employee families, or were already receiving benefits under other schemes. The verification began after the new government assumed office in December 2024.