The move followed complaints by Opposition parties, which alleged that the timing of the proposed disbursal amounted to an inducement to women voters ahead of elections to 29 municipal corporations scheduled on January 15
Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
The Maharashtra SEC has sought a report from the chief secretary on a minister's claims that the Ladki Bahin Yojana financial aid would be disbursed to beneficiaries before Makar Sankranti, amid allegations of violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
The move followed complaints by Opposition parties, which alleged that the timing of the proposed disbursal amounted to an inducement to women voters ahead of elections to 29 municipal corporations scheduled on January 15.
SEC asks Chief Secretary for report by Monday
The State Election Commission (SEC) has asked Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal to submit a report on Monday, sources told PTI.
The Ladki Bahin Yojana is a flagship scheme of the state government under which eligible women beneficiaries get a monthly assistance of Rs 1,500. The scheme is widely credited with helping the Mahayuti secure victory in the 2024 assembly elections.
Girish Mahajan announces two-month payout before Makar Sankranti
In a social media post last week, BJP leader and state minister Girish Mahajan said the assistance of Rs 3,000, covering instalments for December 2025 and January 2026, would be deposited into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries before Makar Sankranti, which falls on January 14.
Congress submits complaint to SEC
State Congress leader and advocate Sandesh Kondvilkar submitted a complaint to the SEC on Saturday, claiming the payment was proposed for January 14, a day before polling, and sought its intervention to stop the transfer.
SEC seeks clarification on timing of payment
The SEC sent a letter to the state chief secretary on Sunday, seeking clarification on the factual position and whether the government intended to release two months' instalments together just ahead of the polls, with a response sought by 11 am on Monday, the sources said.
Fadnavis defends Ladki Bahin Yojana
Amid the controversy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Ladki Bahin Yojana was a continuous scheme of the state government and did not fall under the restrictions of the election code of conduct.
‘Congress tried to stop the scheme, now wants funds halted,’ says Fadnavis
Amid the raging over the timing of the disbursement of the financial aid to eligible beneficiaries of Ladki Bahin Yojana, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hit back, saying that “When we started the scheme, Congress leaders went to the High Court to stop it, but that petition didn't hold. Now they are saying don't give the money. 'Ladki Bahin' is a continuous ongoing scheme of the state government, and such schemes do not fall under the restrictions of the election code of conduct. No matter what Congress says, the funds will be given to our beloved sisters."
Congress objects to eve-of-poll disbursal
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal has, however, said the party was not opposed to the scheme, but objected to the release of two months' assistance on the eve of voting, calling it a clear violation of the model code of conduct.
(With inputs from PTI)
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