Sankranti gift or election bribe? Ladki Bahin payout sparks pre-poll showdown in Maharashtra
The Election Commission has demanded urgent clarification from the state government, with its decision potentially impacting 1 crore women and voter sentiment.
Mumbai: A massive political storm has erupted in Maharashtra over the timing of the state government’s flagship Ladki Bahin scheme. While the ruling coalition plans to distribute a double instalment to women as a festive gesture, the Opposition has flagged the move as a strategic attempt to "buy" votes just hours before the state heads to the BMC polls.
A Rs 3,000 festive bounty
The Maharashtra government announced plans to credit a total of Rs 3,000, covering the December and January instalments, directly into the bank accounts of approximately 1 crore women. The distribution was strategically timed for the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, a major festival in the state.
Congress cries foul
The Congress party has moved swiftly to halt the payout, firing off a formal complaint to the Election Commission (EC). With polling scheduled for January 15, the party argued that releasing state funds on January 14 (Makar Sankranti) is a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
In their letter, Congress leadership characterised the move as "government bribery," designed to influence the female electorate at the last minute. "We are not opposed to the Ladki Bahin scheme itself," the party clarified, "but we demand that the funds be credited only after the voting process is complete."
BJP hits back
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wasted no time in turning the tables, accusing the Congress of being "anti-women." Pro-government voices argue that the Opposition is trying to block financial support intended for millions of sisters across the state under the guise of electoral rules.
EC demands answers
Taking the complaint seriously, the Election Commission has intervened. The EC has sent an urgent notice to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, demanding that the state government formally clarify its position.
The Chief Secretary has been given a strict deadline of 11:00 AM today to explain. The EC’s decision will determine whether the "Sankranti gift" reaches the bank accounts of 10 million women tomorrow or remains frozen until the ballots are cast.
The stakes
With 1 crore beneficiaries involved, the outcome of this administrative tussle could have a significant impact on voter sentiment. As Maharashtra Congress General Secretary Sandesh Kondvilkar continues to push for a complete halt of the January 14 deposit, all eyes are now on the Election Commission’s final verdict.