BJP MLA accused of misusing photos in 'Ladki Bahin' ad

Two women from a Pune family have lodged a police complaint against a BJP MLA for unauthorised use of their photos in an advertisement hoarding for the Maharashtra government's 'Ladki Bahin' scheme.

 

The Shivajinagar MLA, Siddharth Shirole, who had displayed the hoarding, mentioned that an external agency created it. He extended an apology if the women felt offended.

 

The Eknath Shinde government recently introduced the Ladki Bahin scheme ahead of the assembly elections, offering eligible women a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500.

 

One of the women mentioned that the use of their photos without consent has resulted in a family dispute.

 

"People are asking if we took any money in return," she said.

 

MLA Shirole said the advertisement was designed by an agency which obtained the photos from an online image depository by paying fees. "But if these two women feel their sentiments were hurt, I apologise to them," he told reporters.