In a significant move, the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has intervened to stop the state government from disbursing the monthly financial aid under its flagship 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' for the month of January. This decision, announced on Monday, is directly linked to the enforcement of the model code of conduct currently in place for the upcoming municipal corporation elections.
Election Commission's Directive and the Trigger
The SEC's order came after it received multiple complaints. These complaints were prompted by media reports suggesting that beneficiaries of the welfare scheme were set to receive a payment of Rs 3,000 in their bank accounts before January 14, ostensibly as a Makar Sankranti gift. This amount was meant to cover the instalments for both December and January.
Earlier, BJP leader and state minister Girish Mahajan had publicly stated that eligible women under the Ladki Bahin scheme would get the combined two-month payment credited ahead of the Makar Sankranti festival. The SEC's clarification effectively bars the Mahayuti government from proceeding with the January portion of this payout.
Opposition's Allegations of Voter Sway
The announcement of the bundled payment ahead of the polls drew sharp criticism from the opposition, which labeled it a blatant attempt to influence voters. Elections to 29 municipal corporations are scheduled for January 15.
State Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant launched a fierce attack on the ruling alliance. "These selfish brothers have no emotion. They stopped the instalment for two months and disbursed the amount during the election campaign. They seek something in return," Sawant said. He urged women beneficiaries to "show these selfish brothers their place as they expect a return gift in the form of votes."
Significance of the Ladki Bahin Scheme
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is a cornerstone welfare initiative of the Maharashtra government. It provides eligible women with a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500. The scheme's popularity is widely considered a major factor in the Mahayuti alliance's victory in the 2024 state assembly elections.
The State Election Commission's action underscores the strict adherence to the model code of conduct, which is designed to ensure a level playing field and prevent the use of government resources for electoral gain once elections are announced.
