Maharashtra Election 2024: BJP Rajya Sabha member Dhananjay Mahadik sparked intense backlash over his controversial remarks regarding the Mahayuti’s Ladki Bahin Yojana when he suggested that women receiving financial aid of Rs 1,500 under the scheme would have their assistance discontinued if they were seen attending opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) rallies. He later issued an apology, stating his words were not intended to insult but were for women involved in 'vote jihad'.
"If you see women, who take Rs 1,500 from your (Ladki Bahin Yojana) scheme, in the Congress rallies, take their photos and write down their names. They will not work for our government (Mahayuti) but sing the opposition’s tune," Mahadik declared during an election rally, as quoted by news agency IANS. He further claimed that some women were expressing concerns over security rather than financial aid.
"So do they not want money? Do they do politics with this money? If someone (a woman beneficiary) starts speaking loudly, give her the form and get her signature making her say that she does not want money under the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The financial aid to such women will be discontinued immediately. We don’t have much money either," he added.
Mahadik’s comments came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the widespread popularity of the Ladki Bahin Yojana and Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the scheme, highlighting its focus on judiciously using budgetary resources for development. Earlier, Mahayuti legislators Ravi Rana and Mangesh Shinde had also issued warnings that women beneficiaries would lose their aid if they supported the opposition.
The Congress party swiftly condemned Mahadik's statement. Congress MP Praniti Shinde demanded an apology, while Congress legislator Satej Patil criticised Mahadik for his "arrogant" remarks.
According to Indian Express, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut slammed Mahadik saying, “The BJP is not implementing the Ladki Bahin Yojana with the aim of helping women. They are only doing it for three months, just until the elections. That is why they are issuing threats about taking pictures of women who benefit from the scheme and then participate in Congress rallies. Women are also being threatened in other ways.”
He claimed the BJP-led Mahayuti was attempting to purchase votes for Rs 1,500. “Therefore, in our manifesto, we have announced the Malaxmi Yojana, under which women will receive Rs 3,000 per month. This scheme will be for all women, regardless of whether they vote for us or not,” he added.
Maharashtra Election 2024: BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik Apologises For Remarks, Alleges Women Doing 'Vote Jihad'
Amid mounting criticism, Mahadik posted an unconditional apology on X. "I apologise unconditionally to any mothers and sisters who have been hurt by my statement. My statement was not meant to insult any mother or sister," Mahadik stated in Marathi. He claimed his remarks were a reaction to women allegedly being influenced by the opposition's "false propaganda" during the election campaign. He also referenced his long-standing efforts towards women's empowerment alongside his wife through Bhagirathi Mahila Sanstha.
However, Mahadik's apology mentioned his original remark was targeting women involved in “vote jihad.”
This term has been echoed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, who raised concerns about the alleged influence of consolidated Muslim votes leading to Mahayuti's electoral setbacks. "Vote jihad" allegedly affected outcomes in 14 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats, according to Fadnavis and Shelar.
In contrast, BJP ally and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP has opposed the use of terms like “vote jihad” and “Batenge to Katenge.” Ajit Pawar emphasised Maharashtra's reputation for progressiveness and the maintenance of communal and social harmony.