The belated release of the November installment of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana this week has provided only fleeting respite to the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra. With crucial civic elections less than a fortnight away, a cloud of uncertainty now hangs over the December disbursement, causing significant political anxiety within the coalition.
Beneficiaries Voice Frustration Amid Payment Delays
The scheme, which promises Rs 1,500 monthly to eligible women, reached nearly 2.5 crore beneficiaries with its November payment after a prolonged delay. However, the lack of clarity for the following month's funds has left many recipients worried and dissatisfied. Sunita Patil from Pune district shared her experience, stating, "I kept checking my bank account for weeks. The money finally came, but now there is no information about December."
Another beneficiary from Solapur expressed disappointment, expecting both installments together. "We were assured payments would be regular. Only the November dues arrived, and that too very late," she said. This sentiment on the ground is translating into a tangible political challenge for the ruling partners.
Looming Elections Amplify Political Stakes
The timing of this uncertainty is critical. Maharashtra is scheduled to hold elections for 29 municipal corporations on January 15, with a total of 2,869 seats up for grabs. Women voters constitute a vital support base for the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.
Data from the recent assembly polls underscores their importance. In five districts with the highest registrations under the Ladki Bahin scheme—Pune, Nashik, Thane, Solapur, and Nagpur—women's voter turnout saw an increase of over six percentage points compared to the Lok Sabha elections held earlier last year. The alliance's sweeping victory, winning 230 of 288 assembly seats, is widely attributed to this robust support.
"Local politicians are deeply concerned about any discontent brewing within this trusted vote bank due to the payment delay," revealed a local BJP member, highlighting the internal worry.
Official Hurdles and Opposition Criticism
State officials have indicated that while the November installment was cleared, the December disbursement hinges on clearance from the finance department. Due to the model code of conduct enforced for the January 15 polls, this approval is unlikely to materialize before election day. A senior state government official confirmed, "Funds may have to wait until the elections are over."
Although many argue the scheme does not directly fall under the code's purview, the delayed payment and poor communication have become a focal point during campaigning. "Women are openly inquiring about the December money during our door-to-door visits. Prolonged silence on this issue could be damaging," admitted a Mahayuti politician.
The opposition has seized the opportunity to criticize the government. A member alleged that the staggered payment points to a deeper financial crisis. "The state government lacks the required funds for the payout. The delayed November installment is clear evidence of this," the opposition member claimed.
As the election date approaches, the delay in the Ladki Bahin Yojana payout has transformed from an administrative issue into a significant political litmus test, with the ruling alliance's core constituency watching closely.
