The Maharashtra State Election Commission has requested a report from the state chief secretary regarding BJP Minister Girish Mahajan’s announcement. Mahajan stated that the Mahayuti government plans to deposit Rs 3,000 for December 2025 and January 2026 to eligible beneficiaries of Ladki Bahin Yojana before Makar Sankrant on January 14. The SEC has instructed the chief secretary to provide the report promptly.
Following criticism from opposition parties, the SEC’s action came amidst allegations that the move by the Mahayuti alliance was aimed at attracting women voters and breached the Model Code of Conduct before elections to the 29 municipal corporations scheduled for January 15. Minister Mahajan had earlier mentioned the cash deposit plan in a social media post.
Advocate Sandesh Kondvilkar, the General Secretary of the State Congress, raised concerns with the State Election Commission, claiming that the government’s plan to deposit Rs 3,000 into beneficiaries’ accounts on January 14, a day before the voting, violates the Model Code of Conduct. The Congress party urged the Commission to halt the payment, citing it as an attempt to influence women voters.
The State Election Commission has sought clarification from Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar on the matter. The Commission aims to verify the facts and the government’s intention to distribute two months’ worth of funds just before the polls. A response has been requested by 11 a.m. on Monday. Amidst the controversy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the scheme, emphasizing that such ongoing programs are not restricted by the election code of conduct.
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal emphasized that the Congress supports the Ladki Bahin scheme but raised concerns over the timing of the fund disbursement. Sapkal stated that providing two months’ worth of money on January 14, a day before voting, violates the code of conduct. The Congress party urged the Commission to intervene and prevent this action.
