From ‘mere beneficiaries’ to ‘vocal supporters’, women at the heart of Ajit Pawar’s politics

Pune: Nationalist Congress President (NCP) and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today filed his nomination papers for Baramati assembly constituency for the November 20 assembly polls. In a rare occasion, Ajit Pawar was accompanied by a group of beneficiaries of the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, as he reached the tehsil office in Pune district to file his nomination papers. His supporters took out a massive rally as a mark of their show of strength. His sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar as well as other political leaders were also present during the nomination. 

Beneficiaries turn Supporters

The women who accompanied Ajit Pawar came from diverse background, dressed in pink, women shared their personal stories of how the scheme has transformed their lives. Naseem Salin Baghwan, was all praise for Ajit Dada, calling Ajit Dada ‘the heart of Baramati’, she said she also got the money of the scheme, which she used to buy good for her shop and expanded her small business. Another beneficiary, Nita Amit Shah, said the opposition was claiming that the scheme will not be implemented but she has already received the instalment of five months. Asha Somnath Arde, heaping her praise on Ajit Pawar said the scheme has helped her immensely and she wants Ajit Dada to become the Chief Minister. Another women Priya Dhanraj Bhadgar said the money she received as instalment is helping her in her bangles business, through the money she received she was able to buy different types of bangles helping her grow her business. 

The women in state have received Rs 7,500 since August as a financial assistance under this scheme from the Mahayuti government. The money has helped the women from expanding their small business to paying fees of their children. These women hope that once the government returns to power, the government will increase the benefits of the scheme. The scheme’s money has reached over 2.5 crore women in the state, and the scheme is hugely popular among women. 

Presence of women is more than symbolism

Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is a significant women empowerment scheme launched by the Mahayuti government. Ajit Pawar who also holds the finance ministry made the announcement of the scheme in this year’s state budget and allocated an amount of Rs 46000 crore for the scheme. Under the scheme government provides Rs 1500 financial aid to women; over 2.5 crore women have already received the benefits of the scheme. Named as Majhi Ladki Bahin, ‘my beloved sister’, the scheme aims to empower women. In his budget scheme, underlining his commitment to women empowerment, he said “woman is the pillar of strength for the family. She has become the focal point of the entire society now. She fights on both the fronts of managing the family and earning income. We also see women who single-handedly take care of the family and raise successful children. It is our duty, as the government, to open the doors of opportunity to our sisters and encourage them.”

Women like Naseem Salin Baghwan, Nita Amit Shah and many other like them are testament to Ajit Pawar’s commitment to women empowerment. Their stories also reflect on how women have become at the centre of his politics. There was a significant participation of women at Ajit Pawar’s statewide outreach programme Jan Sanman Yatra and his public meetings. At all his platforms, Ajit Pawar has spoken about the need of this scheme and how this scheme is helping the women fulfil their dreams. The focus of his campaign has also been on how the financial assistance provided by the government is being used by women to fulfil their needs.