Mumbai, January 13, 2026 – In a decisive intervention ahead of the Maharashtra municipal elections, the State Election Commission (SEC) on Monday prohibited the Mahayuti-led state government from disbursing advance payments under the flagship “Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin” scheme. The decision comes amid reports that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister Girish Mahajan had announced the release of a consolidated payment of ₹3,000—covering both December and January instalments—to eligible beneficiaries just before Makar Sankranti on January 14, one day prior to polling.

Mahajan described the planned disbursement as a “special gift” from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The announcement, however, drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, who alleged that the move was a politically motivated attempt to sway voters ahead of the elections scheduled for January 15 across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra.

SEC Steps In

Following multiple complaints triggered by media reports of Mahajan’s remarks, the SEC sought clarification from state chief secretary Rajesh Agarwal on whether the government intended to release two months’ instalments in advance. The poll body acted swiftly to prevent potential violations of the model code of conduct, which is enforced during the period leading up to elections to ensure that government resources are not misused for electoral gain.

Addressing the complaints, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare clarified, “We have decided not to allow advance payment. They have given what is due. In addition, the state can’t add new beneficiaries.”

The SEC statement made clear that regular or pending payments under the scheme could continue as scheduled, but any advance disbursement—especially to coincide with election dates—would not be permitted. This distinction aligns with the guidelines that allow ongoing development works and welfare schemes, initiated before the announcement of elections, to continue without interruption during the model code of conduct period.

Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana: A Background

Launched by the Mahayuti alliance-led government, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is a welfare initiative aimed at empowering women aged between 18 and 65. Under the scheme, eligible women receive a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500. The program has been widely credited with contributing to the political fortunes of the Mahayuti alliance, particularly during the 2024 state assembly elections, where the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) secured a majority.

The scheme not only provides economic support to women but also enhances their social participation by promoting financial independence. Over the years, it has become an important instrument for building political goodwill, especially in urban areas where women beneficiaries form a substantial voter base.

Opposition Reaction

The opposition was quick to condemn Mahajan’s announcement. Sachin Sawant, chief spokesperson of the Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, accused the government of attempting to manipulate women’s sentiments for electoral gain. “The state government was trying to play with the feelings of women. They didn’t pay for two months and wanted to trade it with votes. I welcome the steps of the State Election Commission. The Election Commission of India (ECI) must take a lesson from the SEC decision,” Sawant said.

State Congress leader and advocate Sandesh Kondvilkar also filed a complaint with the SEC, highlighting that the payment was proposed for January 14, just one day before polling. He urged the poll body to intervene immediately to prevent the transfer of funds that could potentially influence voter behaviour.

Why the SEC’s Decision Matters

The SEC’s action underscores the importance of upholding the model code of conduct during elections, particularly with regard to welfare schemes. By preventing the advance release of payments, the commission ensures a level playing field and reinforces the principle that government resources should not be used to influence voters in the immediate run-up to elections.

The intervention also sends a broader message to political parties across India: welfare schemes, however beneficial or popular, must be administered in a manner that is free from electoral bias. Any attempt to align payments with election dates risks violating election laws and could invite scrutiny from poll authorities.

The Bihar Precedent

Observers have noted striking parallels with the recently concluded Bihar assembly elections. Ahead of polling in November 2025, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a transfer of ₹10,000 each to women beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana. Critics alleged that the move was a last-minute strategy to secure voter support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which went on to win a decisive victory.

The Bihar elections, held in two phases on November 6 and 11, culminated in counting on November 14. The NDA, led by Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal-United (JDU) and the BJP, secured 202 out of 243 assembly seats, leaving the Congress and Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan with just 35 seats. Analysts suggest that last-minute welfare announcements, coupled with existing schemes, played a role in consolidating the NDA’s electoral gains.

Maharashtra’s SEC action appears to reflect lessons learned from Bihar, emphasizing that electoral authorities are increasingly vigilant against the misuse of welfare schemes for political advantage. By barring the advance payment, the SEC has pre-emptively ensured that the model code of conduct is enforced rigorously.

Implications for Maharashtra Politics

With municipal elections set for January 15, the SEC’s intervention could affect the Mahayuti alliance’s campaign strategies. While the Ladki Bahin scheme remains a popular initiative, the inability to release advance payments might constrain efforts to leverage it as an electoral tool in the final days before polling.

At the same time, the SEC’s decision may embolden opposition parties, providing them with an opportunity to critique the government for any perceived attempt to influence voters. The incident highlights the sensitive interplay between welfare governance and electoral strategy, particularly in states like Maharashtra where schemes such as Ladki Bahin form an integral part of political outreach.

A Broader Lesson on Welfare Schemes and Elections

The Maharashtra case underscores a crucial principle for governance in India: the administration of welfare schemes must remain insulated from electoral considerations. Welfare programs, especially those aimed at women, minorities, and economically disadvantaged communities, are intended to address social inequities and empower citizens. Using these schemes as tools for electoral advantage not only violates legal norms but also undermines public trust in government initiatives.

The SEC’s proactive stance reinforces the importance of impartial oversight during election periods. By drawing clear lines between regular scheme implementation and politically timed disbursements, the commission ensures that electoral integrity is maintained.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the advance release of the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin scheme in Maharashtra offers a timely lesson in the governance of welfare schemes during election periods. The SEC’s swift action to bar the advance payments reflects its commitment to the model code of conduct and underscores the need for impartial administration of government programs.

As the state prepares to vote on January 15, the incident also serves as a reminder to political parties that welfare schemes, while popular and beneficial, must be handled responsibly and transparently. Drawing lessons from Bihar, authorities and political actors alike are reminded that last-minute attempts to sway voters through financial incentives can invite scrutiny and potentially undermine electoral legitimacy.

In the end, the SEC’s decision upholds the principle that governance and electoral strategy, while closely intertwined in Indian politics, must operate within the bounds of law and fairness, ensuring that citizens’ rights to free and fair elections are preserved.