Mumbai: The State Election Commission (SEC) has put its foot down on advance payments under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, ruling that no future instalments can be released during the model code of conduct ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.
The clarification came after a wave of complaints over claims that beneficiaries would receive a combined ₹3,000 payout — covering December and January — before Makar Sankranti on January 14. The announcement was attributed to BJP leader and minister Girish Mahajan, who reportedly described the transfer as a “special gift” from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
What the Election Commission Said
Reacting to the controversy, the SEC wrote to chief secretary Rajesh Agarwal, seeking clarity on whether the state planned to release two months’ instalments together just days before polling.
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State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare made the commission’s stand clear. “Advance payment will not be allowed. Whatever is due can be paid, but nothing extra. Also, no new beneficiaries can be added during the model code period,” he said.
In an official statement, the SEC underlined that while ongoing welfare schemes can continue, any attempt to rush future payments during elections would violate poll norms.
Why This Matters
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is one of the Maharashtra government’s flagship welfare schemes. It offers ₹1,500 per month to eligible women aged between 18 and 65. The programme is widely seen as a key factor behind the Mahayuti alliance’s success in the 2024 state assembly elections.
With polling scheduled on January 15 for 29 municipal corporations, the timing of the proposed payment raised red flags among opposition parties.
Opposition Cry Foul
The Congress accused the government of trying to sway voters. Sachin Sawant, chief spokesperson of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, said the move was unfair. “Women were not paid for two months, and suddenly this was being offered just before polls. It looked like an attempt to trade welfare for votes,” he said, welcoming the SEC’s intervention.
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Congress leader and advocate Sandesh Kondvilkar also submitted a formal complaint, pointing out that the payment was reportedly planned for January 14 — just a day before voting — and urged the commission to stop it.
The Bottom Line
The SEC’s order draws a clear line: regular dues can go out, but no advance payments or last-minute “bonuses” during elections. As civic polls near, the decision reinforces the role of election authorities in keeping welfare schemes from turning into campaign tools.
