Mumbai, Jan 12 (NationPress) The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has requested a detailed report from the state chief secretary, Rajesh Agarwal, concerning the declaration made by BJP Minister Girish Mahajan. He stated that the Mahayuti government will disburse Rs 3,000 for December 2025 and January 2026 to qualifying beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana before Makar Sankranti, which falls on January 14.

The SEC has mandated that the state chief secretary submit this report by Monday.

This action from the SEC follows a backlash from opposition parties, who have criticized the Mahayuti alliance, alleging that this gesture is aimed at attracting women voters and breaches the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the elections for 29 municipal corporations scheduled for January 15.

Last week, Minister Mahajan tweeted, “From Deva Bhau, the cherished sisters will receive... A grand gift for Makar Sankranti! Before January 14, Rs 3,000 for the months of December and January will be deposited into the bank accounts of our beloved sisters!”

Advocate Sandesh Kondvilkar, General Secretary of the State Congress, submitted a complaint to the State Election Commission on Saturday. He accused the state government of planning to transfer Rs 3,000 (for both December 2025 and January 2026) into beneficiaries' accounts on January 14, just a day before the voting. Congress argues this constitutes a breach of the Model Code of Conduct and is an attempt to influence women voters, urging the Commission to halt the payment.

In response, sources from the State Election Commission stated, “A letter was dispatched to Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar on Sunday. The Commission has requested clarity on whether the government genuinely intends to distribute two months' worth of funds collectively immediately prior to the elections. A response is expected by 11 a.m. on Monday.”

While the timing of the financial aid distribution to eligible beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana has sparked controversy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the initiative, asserting that “When we initiated the scheme, Congress leaders approached the High Court to block it, but that petition was dismissed. Now they are saying do not provide the funds. Ladki Bahin is an ongoing initiative by the state government, and such programs are exempt from the election code of conduct restrictions. Regardless of Congress's claims, the funds will be distributed to our beloved sisters.”

Nonetheless, Harshwardhan Sapkal, president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, contended that “Congress does not oppose the Ladki Bahin scheme. However, if the government distributes not one, but two months' worth of funds on January 14—the eve of voting—it is a blatant violation of the code of conduct. Our sole request is for the Commission to intervene and prevent this specific action.”