Minister of Maharashtra, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, on Wednesday categorically dismissed allegations that the state government redirected funds from other departments for the Ladki Bahin scheme, asserting that the administration led by Devendra Fadnavis is dedicated to protecting the vulnerable segments of society.

Recently, state Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat accused the Finance Department, headed by Ajit Pawar, of overreach, labelling it as an unlawful diversion of funds from his department without his consent, according to news agency PTI. 

Recognising that the state is confronting financial limitations due to the women-centric welfare scheme implemented last year in anticipation of the assembly elections, the Shiv Sena minister stated that the state government ought to consider abolishing the Social Justice Department rather than intermittently reallocating the designated funds.