11 January,2026 08:17 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Chandrashekhar Bawankule asserted that the welfare scheme, launched in 2024, does not violate the MCC. File Pic/X
Ahead of the Maharashtra local body elections, BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday criticised the Congress, accusing the party of being "anti-women" over its letter to the State Election Commission seeking a halt to the monthly stipend under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Scheme until the conclusion of the civic elections, reported the PTI.
Speaking to reporters, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule asserted that the welfare scheme, launched in 2024, does not violate the model code of conduct, which is currently in force for the January 15 municipal corporation elections.
He maintained that the scheme is a continuing government initiative and should not be linked to the electoral process.
On Saturday, the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) wrote to the State Election Commission, urging it to direct the government to release the December 2025 and January instalments of the scheme only after the civic polls, as per the PTI.
The party argued that the disbursal could influence over one crore women beneficiaries ahead of the elections.
According to the PTI, Bawankule alleged that the Congress had previously attempted to obstruct the scheme. He claimed that a close aide of senior Congress leader Nana Patole had approached the High Court when the scheme was introduced, while another party leader had publicly stated that the initiative would be scrapped if the Congress came to power.
"The real face of the Congress has now been exposed before the people. The Ladki Bahin Yojana is an ongoing scheme and does not breach the model code of conduct," Bawankule said, the news agency reported.
He further stated that the Congress's letter to the Election Commission reflected the party's "anti-women mindset".
Later in the day, Bawankule, along with Nagpur BJP president Dayashankar Tiwari, released the party's manifesto for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections.
The document outlines the BJP's vision for âViksit Nagpur', promising comprehensive development if the party is voted to power, the PTI reported.
Tiwari said that both the Central and Maharashtra governments are committed to the overall development of Nagpur, emphasising growth beyond mere territorial expansion.
(with PTI inputs)
