MP CM Admits Ladli Behna 'Very Expensive' as Poll Freebie Row Escalates

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on [date] admitted that the Ladli Behna scheme, a flagship cash transfer program for women, has turned out to be 'very expensive', marking a rare public acknowledgment of the fiscal strain caused by the populist measure. The statement came in response to a petition filed last month before the Gwalior Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which sought the scheme's closure, questioning its financial liability on the exchequer and accusing it of being an election-related freebie.

The Ladli Behna scheme, launched by the previous Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in 2023, provides monthly financial assistance to eligible women in the state. It has been credited with influencing electoral outcomes but has also drawn criticism for its mounting costs, which run into thousands of crores annually. The petition argues that the scheme's continuation places an undue burden on state finances and violates the model code of conduct during elections. CM Yadav's remarks underscore the growing debate over freebies and their impact on fiscal discipline.

The admission by the Chief Minister could have significant political ramifications, as the opposition may seize on it to highlight the scheme's unsustainable nature. It also adds weight to the ongoing legal challenge, which could force a review of the scheme's viability. With elections approaching in several states, the Ladli Behna controversy is likely to intensify discussions on the balance between welfare measures and fiscal responsibility, both in Madhya Pradesh and at the national level.