Pune Women Allege Maharashtra Govt Using Their Photos To Promote Schemes Without Consent; BJP MLA Apologises

Two women from Maharashtra’s Pune filed a police complaint against Shivajinagar BJP MLA Siddharth Shirole for using their photos without consent in an advertisement for the Maharashtra government’s 'Ladki Bahin' scheme. The hoarding, promoting a government initiative providing Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women, was put up by MLA Siddharth Shirole, who attributed its design to an external agency and apologised if the women felt offended.

One of the complainants expressed that the unauthorised use of their photos led to family disputes and questions about receiving money in return. "People are asking if we took any money in return," she said.

BJP MLA Siddharth Shirole clarified that the agency acquired the photos from an online image depository after paying the necessary fees. Nonetheless, he stated, "If these two women feel their sentiments were hurt, I apologise to them."

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The Eknath Shinde-led government launched the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme last month ahead of the assembly elections. Under the scheme announced in the state Budget, Rs 1,500 will be transferred monthly into the bank accounts of eligible women aged 21 to 65.

(With PTI Inputs)