Mumbai/IBNS: In 2023, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had returned to power defying the exit polls that had predicted a tight race. A much of the credits were given to erstwhile Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Ladli Behna Yojana, a monthly financial assistance to women.

Cut to November 23, 2024, Ladki Bahin Yojana dominated the public discourse after the Mahayuti stormed back to power with a massive mandate.

As per latest trend of the assembly election results, the Mahayuti comprising BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) is leading/winning 228 seats while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) scored only 52.

After Mahayuti registered a mammoth win, it is discussed whether the Ladki Bahin Yojana was among various issues including the 'Ek Hai To Safe Hai' narrative that turned the tides in favour of Mahayuti.

Speaking to reporters, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde referred to the scheme as a "major game changer" for the elections.

Showtime Consulting founder-director Robin Sharma, who assisted the ruling coalition, has admitted to the scheme benefiting them.

"When we came up with Ladki Bahin, the Opposition couldn't come out with a counter narrative," Robin told India Today. "They couldn't counter the scheme effectively."

"It has helped to turn the women's turnout in our favour," he added.

What is Ladki Bahin Yojana?

A monthly financial assistance programme, Ladki Bahin Yojana was announced by the Mahayuti government earlier this year after the alliance suffered a jolt in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Under the scheme, women irrespective of their relationship or marital status will be entitled to Rs. 1,500 per month from the state government provided their annual family income is less than 2.5 lakh.

The age criteria to avail the scheme is 21-65. The annual

In another condition, only one unmarried woman from a family can apply for the scheme, which in various forms is explored by disperate political parties across the country in recent times.