Eknath Shinde vows to keep “Ladki Bahin” scheme alive as long as he is in power
Eknath Shinde
In a rally at Satana, Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde declared that the “Ladki Bahin” scheme will not be stopped under his watch and reaffirmed his personal commitment to the welfare programme.
Satana, Nashik Nov 24, 2025 – 500 to 600 words, no subheadings):
At a public gathering in Satana, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made a strong pledge to the women of Maharashtra: the “Ladki Bahin” scheme, close to his political identity, will not be allowed to shut down as long as he holds office. Speaking to a cheering crowd, he described the programme as his personal favourite and a central component of his vision for women’s empowerment and family welfare.
Shinde highlighted the scheme’s significance, referring to it as more than a mere welfare measure—he called it his “own” initiative and emphasised its symbolic and practical importance to thousands of beneficiaries across the state. He spoke of how the scheme had borne witness to both political opposition and legal challenges, yet it remained active and effective. The message was clear: any talk of discontinuation would not come from his leadership.
During his address, Shinde also framed the scheme in the context of his broader political narrative—tying it to his identity as “Ladka Bhau” (beloved brother) and his commitment to “Ladkya Bahinin” (dear sisters). He reiterated that schemes for farmers and youth are important, but this one stands out in his priorities. He urged beneficiaries to stand behind the development agenda, signifying that their support has delivered victories in the past and would be instrumental going forward.
Importantly, he also addressed ongoing changes in scheme implementation—such as e-KYC requirements—by assuring the audience that the government was aware of difficulties and would smoothen processes so that no eligible woman is left out. His promise resonated with local women who expressed concern about delay in payments and technical hurdles.
The timing of the speech appears to be strategic. With local body elections in many parts of the state, welfare schemes often become focal points of campaigning. By boldly reaffirming his commitment, Shinde is securing both political goodwill and signalling continuity to beneficiaries who might otherwise feel uncertain. Analysts see the speech as a reinforcement of his personal brand linked to the scheme, rather than letting it drift into the background.
While the opposition has floated doubts about long-term funding and administrative handover of the programme, Shinde dismissed those concerns, portraying such opinions as politically motivated distractions. He used strong language to underscore his dedication and framed the scheme’s continuity as a moral contract with women voters. He also tied it to his wider promise of “development responsibility” in the region—highlighting infrastructure investments and rural improvements in Satana as evidence of action beyond rhetoric.
For the women situated under the scheme’s umbrella, the speech was a morale boost. Many shared that they feared delays or future discontinuation and welcomed the public assurance. For party workers and volunteers, it may serve as a mobilising message ahead of electoral contests. Whether the delivery lives up to the promise remains to be seen, but the announcement underscores the political centrality of welfare programmes in state-level elections.
In sum, Eknath Shinde’s Satana speech sought to reinforce the “Ladki Bahin” scheme not just as policy but as a personal commitment. By aligning his own leadership identity with the scheme, he has raised its profile and raised expectations for its continuation under his tenure. As the implementation phase enters its next stage, both beneficiaries and political rivals will watch closely to see whether this vow translates into consistent action.
