Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, voiced strong criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his visit to Jalgaon, Maharashtra, emphasising the need for prioritising women’s safety.
Raut’s concerns were triggered by the recent sexual assault of two minor girls at a school in Badlapur, a tragic incident that has sparked widespread outrage.
In his statements, Raut highlighted the ongoing movement in Maharashtra focused on women’s safety, questioning the Prime Minister’s silence on the matter.
He pointed out the disconnect between the government's promotion of the “Lakhpati Didis” initiative and the reality of women’s safety in the state.
The “Lakhpati Didi's” initiative, backed by the Ministry of Rural Development, aims to empower women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to earn an annual household income of one lakh rupees. However, Raut argued that such initiatives ring hollow if women’s safety is not ensured first.
During his visit, PM Modi is set to felicitate 11 lakh new “Lakhpati Didis” and will also release a revolving fund of Rs 2,500 crore, intended to benefit about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh SHGs.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister will disburse bank loans totalling Rs 5,000 crore, which is expected to benefit 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs.
Raut drew attention to the alarming number of atrocities against women in Jalgaon, where the Prime Minister’s visit was taking place. He noted that there had been four cases of such incidents in the area within the last 15 days alone.
Raut stressed that the Prime Minister should be made aware of these occurrences, especially if the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are also present during the visit.
He urged the Prime Minister to focus on ensuring the safety of women before pursuing other initiatives. According to Raut, while the Prime Minister is engaged in his tours, women across the country are struggling to get justice, with some even being denied the right to file FIRs.
Raut’s statements reflect a broader concern that the government's efforts to empower women economically must be accompanied by a stronger commitment to their safety and security.
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