Controversy Erupts Over Madhya Pradesh Minister's Threatening Remarks to Ladli Behna Scheme Beneficiaries

Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister and Ratlam district in-charge Vijay Shah has become embroiled in controversy following his contentious statements regarding beneficiaries of the state government's flagship Ladli Behna Yojana, which many perceive as coercive and threatening.

This controversy emerges shortly after Shah faced backlash for comments related to Colonel Sophia Qureshi.

During a District Development Advisory Committee meeting in Ratlam, Shah stated that since the government is distributing substantial funds under the Ladli Behna Yojana, beneficiaries should demonstrate appreciation to the Chief Minister. He implied that those failing to do so might have their applications suspended.

At the meeting, Shah inquired about the number of Ladli Behna beneficiaries in the district from Women and Child Development Department officials. Upon learning there were approximately 2.5 lakh beneficiaries in Ratlam district, the minister suggested that at least 50,000 women should come forward to "show respect" to mark the Chief Minister's two years in office.

Addressing attendees, Shah remarked, "The government is giving crores of rupees at the rate of Rs 1,500 per month. So a thank you is warranted at least once in two years. We will arrange the food. We'll see what happens to those who don't come."

His subsequent comment proved more controversial when he stated that beneficiaries whose payments increased by Rs 250 would be investigated. "If someone's Aadhaar is not linked, their application will be put on hold. That means it will automatically be stopped. Then everyone will come," he declared.

Several officials and public representatives present appeared visibly uncomfortable with these remarks.

The Madhya Pradesh government's Ladli Behna Yojana provides financial assistance of Rs 1,500 monthly to approximately 1.27 crore women statewide through Direct Benefit Transfer. This amount represents an increase of Rs 250 from the previous Rs 1,250, implemented on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. The program aims to provide financial security and enhance women's empowerment.

Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta responded sharply to Shah's comments, describing them as unconstitutional, manipulative, and threatening. He alleged that government schemes were being leveraged to gather crowds and project public support for the Chief Minister. Gupta suggested that the effort to mobilize 50,000 women out of 2.5 lakh beneficiaries indicates that BJP workers themselves have stopped attending welcome events, resulting in beneficiaries being pressured through administrative channels.

Recently, during an NDTV interaction commemorating two years of the state government, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav was questioned about when beneficiaries would receive the promised Rs 3,000 monthly under the scheme. He responded, "You tell me, have all promises always been fulfilled every time? We will go even further in the direction of women's empowerment."