Maharashtra SEC Seeks Chief Secretary’s Report on Ladki Bahin Yojana Disbursal Ahead of Civic Polls

Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has sought a detailed report from the state’s chief secretary following controversy over a proposed disbursal of funds under the Ladki Bahin Yojana ahead of the Makar Sankranti festival, amid allegations that the move could violate the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in force due to ongoing municipal elections.

The development comes after a state minister publicly claimed that financial assistance under the scheme would be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts before January 14, a day ahead of polling for 29 municipal corporations scheduled on January 15. Opposition parties have objected to the timing, alleging that it amounts to an inducement aimed at influencing women voters.

Opposition Flags Model Code of Conduct Violation

The issue was raised by Opposition leaders soon after the minister’s announcement, with parties arguing that releasing funds immediately before polling could compromise the fairness of the electoral process. They contended that while welfare schemes may be ongoing, public declarations about fund transfers during the election period warrant scrutiny under the MCC.

According to sources, the complaints prompted the SEC to take cognisance of the matter and seek clarity from the state administration. The Opposition has maintained that even the announcement of such payments during the election window could influence voter behaviour, especially given the scale and popularity of the scheme.

SEC Seeks Report From Chief Secretary

In response, the State Election Commission has formally asked Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal to submit a report detailing the factual position regarding the proposed disbursal. Sources said the SEC’s communication seeks clarification on whether the government intends to release two months’ instalments together and whether such a move was planned during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

The SEC has reportedly asked for the report to be submitted by Monday morning, underscoring the urgency of the issue given the proximity of the polling date.

About the Ladki Bahin Yojana

The Ladki Bahin Yojana is a flagship welfare scheme of the Maharashtra government under which eligible women beneficiaries receive a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500. The scheme has been widely highlighted by the ruling alliance as a key social security measure aimed at supporting women from economically weaker sections.

The programme is also seen as politically significant, with the ruling Mahayuti alliance crediting it as one of the factors that contributed to its victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. Due to its reach and direct benefit transfer mechanism, the scheme remains under close public and political scrutiny.

Minister’s Post Triggers Controversy

The controversy was triggered by a social media post made last week by BJP leader and state minister Girish Mahajan. In the post, Mahajan stated that a sum of ₹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.

Opposition leaders alleged that the announcement, made during the election period, created the impression of an election-linked benefit and sought intervention from the poll body.

Congress Moves Election Commission

State Congress leader and advocate Sandesh Kondvilkar submitted a formal complaint to the SEC on Saturday. In his representation, Kondvilkar claimed that the proposed payment was scheduled for January 14, just a day before voting, and urged the Commission to stop the transfer until the elections were completed.

The complaint argued that such a move could be construed as an attempt to influence voters and sought strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct to ensure a level playing field.

SEC Seeks Factual Clarification

Following the complaint, the SEC sent a letter to the chief secretary seeking factual clarification on the issue. According to sources, the Commission asked whether the government had indeed planned to release two months’ instalments together and whether any administrative orders had been issued in this regard during the MCC period.

The SEC has asked the state government to clearly outline its position and intentions, enabling the Commission to determine whether the proposed action complies with election norms.

Chief Minister Responds

Amid the growing political debate, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the Ladki Bahin Yojana, stating that it is a continuous welfare scheme of the state government and does not fall under the prohibitions of the Model Code of Conduct.

The Chief Minister maintained that ongoing schemes approved prior to the announcement of elections are permitted to continue and that beneficiaries should not be deprived of entitled assistance due to the election schedule.

What Happens Next

The SEC is expected to examine the chief secretary’s report before taking a final view on the matter. Depending on the findings, the Commission could either allow the disbursal to proceed or issue directions to defer it until after polling.

With municipal elections imminent, the decision is likely to have wider implications for how welfare schemes are administered during election periods in Maharashtra, particularly those involving direct benefit transfers to large voter groups.