Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 12: A political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after the state government announced plans to credit Rs 3,000 into the bank accounts of beneficiaries under the Ladli Behna scheme on January 14, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, just a day before voting for the Municipal Corporation elections.

The amount includes the combined instalments for December and January and is expected to benefit nearly one crore women across the state. However, the timing of the transfer has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress, which has accused the government of violating the Model Code of Conduct.

The Congress has written to the Election Commission, arguing that releasing funds on the eve of polling could influence voters, especially women beneficiaries, and unfairly benefit the ruling party. The party clarified that it does not oppose the Ladli Behna scheme itself but demanded that the instalments be credited only after voting concludes on January 15. Calling the move a form of “government bribery”, the Congress said such actions undermine the fairness of the electoral process.

Acting on the complaint, the Election Commission has sought an explanation from the Maharashtra Chief Secretary and asked the state government to clarify its position by 11 am.

Hitting back, the BJP accused the Congress of being “anti-women” and said welfare benefits should not be stalled due to elections. The ruling party maintained that financial assistance under the Ladli Behna scheme is meant for women’s welfare and should not be politicised.

With Makar Sankranti on January 14 and polling scheduled for January 15, the issue has added to the heat surrounding the high-stakes BMC elections. Results will be declared on January 16. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls are seen as crucial due to the immense administrative power and financial control associated with the civic body, prompting all major parties to go all out in the final stretch of campaigning.