POLITICS

Financial strain looms over Maharashtra’s populist schemes?

Mahayuti Government in Maharashtra faces mounting financial stress. Populist welfare schemes like Ladki Bahin and free electricity for farmers have strained the already burdened state exchequer. Finance Minister Ajit Pawar has acknowledged the challenge of maintaining fiscal discipline while fulfilling electoral promises. Meanwhile, the Ladki Bahin scheme—credited with helping secure the women’s vote—has drawn scrutiny. Although Pawar denied plans to scrap the scheme, complaints continue. Can the state government afford to discontinue or curtail the scheme?