In a move that may spark fresh tensions within the Mahayuti alliance, the Maharashtra Finance Department has once again diverted a substantial sum—₹410.30 crore—from the Social Justice Department to fund the Ladki Bahin Scheme. The funds are reportedly intended to cover the June 2025 installment of ₹1,500 for each of the 2.5 crore beneficiaries across the state.

Despite a hefty budget allocation of ₹36,000 crore for the Ladki Bahin Scheme in the current fiscal year, the state appears to be struggling to sustain monthly disbursements, leading to budgetary cuts in other departments. Sources say financial strain is prompting the government to slash funding from key departments like Social Justice and Tribal Welfare.

This marks the second time ₹410.30 crore has been rerouted from the Social Justice Department. With this latest transfer, a total of ₹820.60 crore has been redirected from this department alone. Furthermore, in recent months, the Tribal Welfare Department has seen ₹1,007 crore diverted across three separate occasions. Together, both departments have contributed ₹1,827.70 crore toward funding the Ladki Bahin Scheme so far.

The Social Justice Department falls under Minister Sanjay Shirsat of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), a key ally in the ruling Mahayuti coalition. Shirsat had strongly opposed the previous diversion of funds, highlighting in the Assembly that his department received ₹7,317 crore less in this year’s budget compared to allocations over the past five years. He had questioned how his department would function if its limited budget continued to be siphoned off.

However, in a surprising move, Shirsat declined to comment when asked by reporters on Friday about the latest diversion. His silence has fueled speculation about internal discontent brewing within the alliance.

Social Justice Department:

• ₹410.30 crore diverted (first time)

• ₹410.30 crore diverted (second time)
  Total: ₹820.60 crore

Tribal Welfare Department:

• ₹335.70 crore diverted (three separate occasions)
  Total: ₹1,007 crore

Combined Total Diverted: ₹1,827.70 crore