Pune: Siddharth Shirole, the BJP MLA from Pune's Shivajinagar constituency, has clarified that the photos in "Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme" advertisement were used with the photographer's permission and that the advertisement agency followed proper procedures, including payment for the rights.
Shirole found himself at the center of a controversy involving the alleged unauthorized use of women's photos in an advertisement for the state government's "Ladki Behen" scheme.
The women whose images were used on flex posters filed a complaint with the Pune police, leading to significant public attention.
In their complaint to Additional Police Commissioner Ranjan Kumar Sharma, the women claimed their photos were used without consent, resulting in familial disputes and misunderstandings.
Responding to the allegations, Shirole stated that the intent behind the advertisement was to promote the Chief Minister's "Ladki Behen" scheme, which provides Rs. 1,500 per month to women. He expressed regret if the use of the photos caused any discomfort to the women involved.
The matter was brought to light by Bhim Army official Sitaram Gangawane. Gangawane had led a protest in front of the billboard, demanding the removal of the women's photos.
Gangawane had described the entire incident in a Facebook post, sharing videos and photos. He had written, "See how deceptive Eknath Shinde's 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme is. The photo of the aunt and niece in this scheme was printed without their consent by this MLA."
He further added, "The woman in question has two daughters. When her husband found out, he demanded a divorce. Now, where will this woman go with her two children?"
Sitaram Gangawane also claimed that when the women went to the Police Commissionerate to file a complaint, they were ignored. However, with his intervention, he accompanied the women to the Deputy Commissioner and filed the complaint.
