Pune: Women from across the state gathered at the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Mhalunge Balewadi on Saturday for the launch of the state government's "Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana."

Despite facing various challenges, including long journeys and navigating crowded conditions, the women participated enthusiastically in the event.

Attendees included women who traveled with young children and elderly family members, reflecting the broad interest in the scheme. Seating and screen arrangements were made throughout the complex to accommodate the large crowd.

Before the official launch, the women enjoyed musical performances by Avdhoot Gupte and Vaishali Samant.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar were welcomed warmly by the attendees. Some women even managed to interact directly with the leaders and tied rakhis to them. Although some women expressed disappointment over not yet receiving the funds promised by the scheme, they remained hopeful.

The event posed logistical challenges, as many women had to walk significant distances from parking areas to the venue. Despite these difficulties, the women remained positive, focusing on the potential benefits of the scheme.

Kanta Dhamdhere from Shirur expressed happiness at receiving the funds and emphasized the importance of the scheme for her family.

Suman Gaikwad from Talegaon Dhamdhere highlighted the potential benefits for poor and widowed women, though she had yet to receive the funds.

Shobha Dhamdhere from Talegaon Dhamdhere looked forward to using the funds for essential household expenses, confident that the money would arrive soon.