A glorious array of enticements has been unveiled by the Eknath Shinde-led government of Maharashtra. Picture this: a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 earmarked exclusively for women, a generous allocation of three complimentary LPG refills each year, and the promise of free pilgrimages for senior citizens. Moreover, there’s an initiative to provide free professional education tailored for women hailing from disadvantaged backgrounds. This cornucopia of benefits, however, does not escape scrutiny; the underlying intentions are clear to all. Following a crushing defeat in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), triumphed in 31 of the 48 parliamentary seats in the state, the ruling Mahayuti alliance is making a fervent effort to rally support as the assembly elections loom on the horizon later this year.
