The State Election Commission (SEC) has barred the Maharashtra government from releasing the January installment of the Ladki Bahin scheme in advance, citing the model code of conduct currently in force for municipal elections.

The decision comes after reports that beneficiaries would receive ₹3,000 before Makar Sankranti, covering both December and January installments, as a festive “gift”. Several complaints were filed with the SEC soon after these reports surfaced.

Why was the advance payment stopped?

According to the SEC, no advance payment is allowed during the model code of conduct period, especially when elections are imminent, as it may influence voters.

The poll body clarified: regular or pending installments may be disbursed, advance installments cannot be released doing so would violate the code of conduct

The SEC stated that welfare schemes already in operation before the announcement of elections can continue, but additional benefits or timing changes meant to sway voters are not permitted.

What triggered the controversy?

BJP minister Gitish Mahajan had claimed that eligible women beneficiaries would receive ₹3,000 before January 14, calling it a special gift from the government ahead of Makar Sankranti.

Opposition parties alleged that two months’ funds were intentionally clubbed, planned a day before polling,

and aimed at influencing voters in 29 municipal corporation elections scheduled for January 15.

Congress leader Sandesh Kondvilkar formally complained to the SEC.

Government vs Opposition stand

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis argued that the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is a continuous state scheme and therefore outside election restrictions.

The Congress countered that it does not oppose the scheme itself, but strongly objected to the advance double payment immediately before voting. State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal called the move a “violation of the model code”.

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant accused the ruling alliance of expecting “return gifts” from women voters, stating that the installments are taxpayers’ money, not the private funds of those in power.

About the scheme- Ladki Bahin Yojana

The Ladki Bahin Yojana provides ₹1,500 per month to eligible women and is considered one of the government’s major welfare programmes.