August 13, 2024: A political row erupted over Independent MLA and NDA ally Ravi Rana’s remarks implying that funds distributed to women under the Maharashtra government’s ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme will be taken back if they do not vote favourably in the upcoming polls.

After his remark, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fandavis on Tuesday tried to contain the damage, asserting that a brother’s gift to his sisters can never be reclaimed.

"Post elections, I will seek to increase the amount from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 . I am your brother...But if you don't give your blessing now, I will take back the ₹1,500 from your bank accounts," Rana said while addressing a public event in Amravati on Monday.

Rana's wife, former MP Navneet Rana, unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha election as a BJP candidate from Amravati parliamentary seat.