Uddhav Thackeray (left), PM Modi (file – agencies)
NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday questioned the Centres’s decision to transfer Rs 10,000 directly into the bank accounts of 75 lakh women in Bihar, just weeks ahead of upcoming elections in the state. Thackeray raised concerns about the timing and equity of the scheme, asking whether Bihar’s women were suddenly “more beloved” due to the approaching polls. “In Bihar, elections have not even been declared yet, but still, 75 lakh women have been given Rs 10,000 directly in their accounts by Prime Minister Modi. So, are Bihar’s women more beloved now?” he said, as quoted by ANI. The former Maharashtra CM went on to question if it was being done by just keeping an eye on elections. He also slammed the Modi government if the “Maharashtra’s sisters no longer ‘Ladli’…?” referring to the “Ladli Bahin Yojana” launched before the Maharashtra assembly elections last year. “Or is it simply because elections are approaching there that women are being given money? Are Maharashtra’s sisters no longer ‘Ladli’…?” The remarks also come as veiled criticism that the cash transfer could be seen as an electoral move targeted at influencing voters in Bihar. The cash transfer scheme, announced recently by the central government, aims to provide financial assistance to women. The move has triggered debate over the use of welfare schemes during election periods and raised questions about equitable distribution of benefits across states.The election commission on Saturday held meetings with political parties of the state to discuss the possible phases and dates of upcoming polls, with parties asserting for one-two phased elections and immediately after Chhath puja to maximise voter turn-out. EC is expected to announce the dates soon.
