‘Stealing’ from Ladli Behna funds jibe: CM Yadav says Patwari should be ashamed of his language

Indore, Jun 19 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday slammed state Congress president Jitu Patwari over the latter’s claim that the government was “stealing” the money borrowed in the name of the ‘Ladli Behna' scheme for political extravagance.

Speaking to reporters in Indore, Yadav said, “The state Congress president should be ashamed of using such language. He should engage in politics within limits and choose his words carefully.” Patwari had claimed recently that the state government was “stealing” funds borrowed in the name of the popular Ladli Behna scheme and spending them on lavish publicity and political extravagance.

“Those who do not understand things make immature statements,” said the CM.

Responding to Patwari’s allegation of “political extravagance”, Yadav said, “It was the Congress that indulged in (political) extravagance. Records of indulgence bear the names of Congress leaders. They used to plunder the public exchequer when in power. In their regime, even women were dismembered and thrown into furnaces.” Yadav asserted that the ruling BJP would fulfil its promise of providing Rs 3,000 per month to women beneficiaries under the Ladli Behna scheme before the 2028 assembly polls.

Under the scheme, launched months ahead of the 2023 state elections, beneficiaries get a monthly assistance of Rs 1,250. It was believed to be a major factor in the BJP’s huge victory in the last assembly elections.

Former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan had announced that the monthly amount would be gradually raised to Rs 3,000.

“We will provide an additional Rs 250 to beneficiaries on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. From Diwali onwards, they will receive Rs 1,500 per month under the scheme,” Yadav said.

Earlier in the day, Yadav addressed a state-level programme via video conferencing on ‘World Sickle Cell Day’, after failing to reach the venue in Barwani district due to inclement weather.

The state government is making concerted efforts, particularly in tribal areas, to tackle sickle cell anaemia and raise public awareness, he said.

Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic disorder where red blood cells look like sickles or crescent moons instead of the normal disc shape. These abnormal cells can prevent blood flow, affecting the body’s ability to carry oxygen effectively.

Over 2,800 patients have been identified in Barwani alone, and steps are being taken to ensure their treatment, Yadav said.

“We are committed to eradicating sickle cell anaemia from the state. Even if there is a single patient in a district, we will ensure full treatment,” Yadav declared. PTI HWP LAL NR