Sanjay Raut Threatens Legal Action Over Rs 14,000 Crore Alleged Misuse in Ladki Bahin Scheme
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday threatened legal action against the Maharashtra government over an alleged large-scale misuse of public funds under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. This follows a report by The Indian Express stating that beneficiaries later declared ineligible may have received nearly Rs 14,000 crore before payments were stopped.
“We are sending a legal notice to the government. If required, we will approach the High Court. Notices will be sent to the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary shortly, and the process has already begun,” Raut said.
The Indian Express report on Sunday highlighted that more than 92 lakh beneficiaries, who were later deemed ineligible after e-KYC and verification, had been removed from the scheme after receiving an estimated Rs 14,000 crore in benefits. The scheme, officially named Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, provides financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections in Maharashtra.
The state government has not officially commented on the allegations. The scheme, launched by the Mahayuti government, has been a focal point of political debate, with opposition parties accusing the administration of inefficiency and favouritism in implementation.
Raut’s threat of legal action adds to the ongoing political tussle over the scheme’s rollout and its financial implications. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader has demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged misuse and recovery of funds paid to ineligible beneficiaries.
The amount involved, Rs 14,000 crore, represents a significant portion of the scheme’s budget. The state government had allocated funds for the scheme in the annual budget, aiming to benefit millions of women across Maharashtra.
Observers note that the controversy could have implications for the political landscape in Maharashtra, with the opposition likely to use the issue to target the ruling coalition ahead of local elections.
