Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a significant statement on Wednesday, firmly asserting that the state's flagship Ladki Bahin scheme is an initiative of the Mahayuti government and does not belong to any single alliance partner.
Clarifying Ownership of the Scheme
This declaration came in response to media inquiries about allegations that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had been claiming individual credit for the launch and success of the Ladki Bahin scheme during his rallies for municipal council and nagar panchayat polls in the Vidarbha region.
Fadnavis directly addressed these claims, stating that the popular scheme should not be portrayed as the achievement of just one party. The scheme is being implemented by the Mahayuti govt comprising three alliance partners, he emphasized, making it a collective effort.
Alliance Unity Amidst Local Politics
Seeking to downplay any perception of a rift within the ruling alliance, the Chief Minister provided context on the nature of political partnerships at different levels of governance. He explained that while seat-sharing configurations can vary in local body polls, the three parties remain united at the state level.
We are together in govt, and in many municipal corporations as well, Fadnavis stated, highlighting the broader cooperation between the alliance partners.
He further elaborated on the political dynamics, noting that in some places, two parties may contest as allies in local body elections, but these are limited to local dynamics. The CM was quick to add that in the state govt, all three parties are firmly united.
A Collective Government Endeavor
The Chief Minister's comments served to reinforce the message of alliance solidarity. He concluded with a clear principle guiding the government's work: Therefore, every govt scheme belongs to all three parties collectively.
This statement comes at a crucial time when the Mahayuti government faces the challenge of presenting a united front while navigating the complexities of local elections and maintaining coalition harmony. The Ladki Bahin scheme, which has gained significant public attention, now stands officially recognized as a joint achievement of the ruling alliance.
