The Maharashtra government will deposit Rs 3,000 into the bank accounts of around one crore women beneficiaries under the Ladli Bahen Scheme on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The amount will be credited as the combined instalments for December and January.
The government has stated that the transfer is part of the regular implementation of the Ladli Bahen Scheme and is intended to support women financially and provide assistance during the festive period. Officials have said that approximately one crore women will benefit from the transfer under the scheme.
The Congress has raised objections to the timing of the transfer, citing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections scheduled to be held in Mumbai on January 15. The party has said that depositing money into beneficiaries’ accounts immediately before the election could amount to a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
The Congress has written to the Election Commission, requesting that the instalment under the Ladli Bahen Scheme be released only after the election. The party has alleged that transferring funds before polling could influence women voters in favour of the ruling party, which it described as equivalent to the use of government resources for electoral gain.
The Congress has clarified that it is not opposed to the Ladli Bahen Scheme but has stressed that benefits under the scheme should be delivered in a fair and impartial manner. It has appealed to the Election Commission to direct the Maharashtra government to clearly state its position on the issue.
The Election Commission, acting on the Congress complaint, has directed the Maharashtra Chief Secretary to clarify the government’s stand by 11 am. The Commission has said that the disbursement of funds under government schemes ahead of elections can be sensitive and requires clear guidelines. It has also stated that it is examining whether any financial assistance could be misused to exert influence on voters.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has responded to the Congress letter, accusing the party of opposing women’s welfare and stating that the complaint is driven by political motives. The BJP has said that the Ladli Bahen Scheme is aimed at providing financial assistance to women and not at gaining electoral advantage. BJP leaders have said that the Congress move amounts to obstructing the benefits of a scheme intended for women.
Makar Sankranti will be observed on January 14. Voting for the BMC elections in Maharashtra is scheduled for January 15, with the results to be announced on January 16.
