“Ensure women’s safety first”: Sanjay Raut ahead of PM Modi’s Jalgaon visit

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] August 25 (ANI): Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jalgaon, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticized the PM over the “Lakhpati Didis” initiative, demanding that women’s safety be prioritized first.

Raut expressed his anger over the recent sexual assault of two minor girls at a school in Badlapur, which has sparked major outrage.

“There is a movement going on in Maharashtra for women’s safety. The Prime Minister hasn’t said a single word about the safety of our sisters. Yet, we see that a ‘Lakhpati Didi’ is being promoted,” Raut said.

PM Modi arrived in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon on Sunday to felicitate 11 lakh new “Lakhpati Didis”.

Raut highlighted recent atrocities against women in Jalgaon to draw the Prime Minister’s attention to the matter.

“In Jalgaon, where the Prime Minister is visiting, there have been four cases of atrocities against women in the last 15 days. One of the victims is disabled, and another is a child. Somebody should tell this to the Prime Minister, especially if the Chief Minister and Deputy CM are present there,” Raut added.

He further urged the PM to prioritize women’s safety, stating, “Who are you going to make rich? First, ensure the safety of our women. No one in the entire country is talking about this. The Prime Minister just comes, and while he is touring around, our sisters are roaming from one police station to another, seeking justice. The police refuse to file their FIRs, leading the public to protest, and then someone files a petition in court, putting a stay on the protest. This is what’s happening in our country.”

“Lakhpati Didi” is an initiative by the Ministry of Rural Development aimed at helping women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) earn a household income of one lakh rupees annually.

During his visit to Jalgaon, PM Modi will also release a revolving fund of Rs 2,500 crore, benefiting about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh self-help groups (SHGs). Additionally, he will disburse bank loans totalling Rs 5,000 crore, benefiting 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs.