Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is set to deposit Rs 3,000 into the bank accounts of beneficiaries under the Ladli Behna Scheme, combining pending instalments for December and January. The transfer is scheduled for January 14, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, but this move has sparked a political controversy just a day before the BMC elections.
The Congress party has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission, arguing that disbursing funds immediately before polling is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Party leaders claim that nearly one crore women are set to receive the instalment, which they argue could influence voting behavior in favor of the ruling BJP. Congress clarified that it supports the Ladli Behna scheme but insists that payments should only be credited after the elections to maintain fairness.
Acting on the complaint, the Election Commission has asked the Maharashtra Chief Secretary to submit a clarification regarding the government’s stand by 11 am today.
The BJP, meanwhile, hit back, accusing Congress of being “anti-women” and claiming that welfare payments should not be delayed due to political disputes. The ruling party emphasised that the Ladli Behna scheme is intended to support women beneficiaries and is not related to election strategy.
The timing of the payments, just one day before the BMC elections on January 15, has heightened tensions. With Makar Sankranti falling on January 14 and the election results scheduled for January 16, Congress fears that the last-minute credit could sway a significant portion of women voters toward the BJP. The BMC elections carry enormous political significance in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai, offering the winning party administrative control and substantial financial influence.
