Ladki Behna Yojana turns Mahayuti’s performance into script for monster win in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Election Results: The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra has staged a resounding comeback, with the latest trends from the Election Commission showing it leading in 217 of the state’s 288 assembly seats. Mahayuti is likely to retain power in the state, leaving the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) far behind.

The victory marks a dramatic turnaround for the Mahayuti alliance, which only five months ago faced a disappointing Lok Sabha election result, securing only 17 of the state’s 48 seats.

This time, the alliance implemented an aggressive campaign centered on welfare measures that seems to have resonated with voters, especially women.

Chief among the welfare schemes that have fueled the resurgence of the Mahayutis is the “Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.”

Launched in June, the scheme aims to empower women financially by providing direct cash transfers of ₹1,500 per month to eligible women aged 21 to 65 years. The scheme covers married, widowed, divorced, abandoned and destitute women from families earning less than Rs 2.5 lakh annually and even extends to one unmarried woman per household.

The Mahayuti alliance also promised to increase the monthly assistance to ₹2,100 on return to office.

This promise, along with other schemes like free LPG cylinders and the Ladka Bhau Yojana, created a robust welfare narrative that appears to have secured the alliance a critical support base.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde credited the election result to the welfare measures bought by his government. “I thank all my ladki bahins (dear sisters) and brothers in the state who voted for us in large numbers,” Shinde said while addressing reporters.

“The voting trend is an endorsement of our work. All sections of society, especially women, have responded positively to our efforts for development and welfare.”

“This result increases our responsibility to serve the people better. The Ladki Bahin Yojana has shown that targeted welfare can make a real difference,” he added.

The opposition Maha Vikaas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), struggled to counter Mahayuti’s welfare blitz. Its focus on governance issues and criticism of the alliance’s economic management appear to have failed to generate sufficient support.