Nagpur, India: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan strongly supported the Ladli Behna scheme, saying other states are likely to follow its example due to its positive impact on women. Speaking at a rally in Nagpur’s Jaitala area in support of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Chauhan highlighted that Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin scheme is inspired by his original Ladli Behna initiative in Madhya Pradesh.

Aiming for opposition parties, Chauhan criticized them for previously attempting to block the scheme. “The same parties that went to court to stop this scheme are now offering election-time promises of financial aid. If they truly cared, what kept them from doing this sooner?” he asked, speaking to a crowd with a notable presence of women supporters. Chauhan emphasized that the Ladli Behna scheme reflects the BJP’s genuine commitment to serving the public.

He shared that the Ladli Behna scheme has empowered women in Madhya Pradesh, improving their financial independence and family standing. “The funds have genuinely helped the beneficiaries, and now their families view them with increased respect,” he said.

Chauhan also criticized opposition leaders, pointing out that Uddhav Thackeray’s recent actions would have disappointed his late father, Balasaheb Thackeray. Additionally, he accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of inconsistency on caste and reservation issues, noting Gandhi’s varied stance on quotas depending on his audience. “No party has shown as much respect for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar as BJP has,” Chauhan added, emphasizing that Ambedkar received the Bharat Ratna under a BJP government.

Chauhan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting that India’s global stature has risen significantly. “I travelled abroad during Manmohan Singh’s administration when India didn’t command much respect. Thanks to Modi, India is seen differently,” he said. He credited Modi for securing the safe evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine, recounting that both Russia and Ukraine paused military action to let students carrying the tricolour leave safely.

To address farmer concerns, Chauhan announced that the government has raised the allowable soybean moisture content for procurement from 12% to 15%, which will help farmers get fair prices even if moisture levels are high.