Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has asked the state’s top bureaucracy to clarify claims that financial assistance under the Ladki Bahin Yojana would be credited to beneficiaries just ahead of the civic polls, amid allegations that the move could breach the Model Code of Conduct.
The development follows objections raised by Opposition parties, who argue that announcing or advancing payments close to polling day could influence voters, particularly women, before elections to 29 municipal corporations scheduled for January 15. Acting on these complaints, the SEC has sought a detailed report from Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, asking the administration to explain the timing and intent of the proposed disbursal.
The Ladki Bahin Yojana is a flagship welfare programme of the state government that provides ₹1,500 per month to eligible women. The scheme has been politically significant and is often cited by the ruling alliance as a major factor behind its success in the 2024 Assembly elections.
The controversy intensified after a social media post by senior BJP leader and state minister Girish Mahajan, who stated that ₹3,000—covering two instalments for December 2025 and January 2026—would be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts before Makar Sankranti on January 14. The timing of the announcement prompted Opposition leaders to approach the SEC.
Senior Congress leader and advocate Sandesh Kondvilkar formally complained to the Commission, alleging that releasing two months’ assistance a day before polling could amount to voter inducement. He urged the SEC to intervene and prevent the transfer until the election process concludes.
In response, the SEC issued a communication to the Chief Secretary seeking factual clarity on whether the government planned to release instalments together and whether any administrative decision had been taken to advance the payment schedule. The Commission asked for a prompt response, underlining the sensitivity of welfare announcements during the election period.
Defending the government’s position, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Ladki Bahin Yojana is an ongoing programme with a fixed structure and does not fall under restrictions imposed by the election code. He maintained that routine disbursals should not be politicised.
