Maharashtra Congress Files Complaint Over BJP's Ladki Bahin Fund Announcement Ahead of Elections

The Congress party in Maharashtra has raised concerns with the State Election Commission regarding a social media post by BJP leader Girish Mahajan. The post announced the disbursal of funds under the Ladki Bahin scheme just before the Makar Sankranti festival, which coincides with upcoming municipal elections. Congress claims this move is an attempt to influence voters, while the Chief Minister defends the scheme as a continuous initiative. The commission is set to investigate the complaint.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 13:51 IST

Congress Raises Concerns Over BJP's Fund Disbursal Announcement

On Saturday, the Congress party in Maharashtra lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission regarding a social media post made by Girish Mahajan, a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and state minister. The post announced the distribution of funds under the Ladki Bahin scheme just before the Makar Sankranti festival, as reported by a local news outlet.

This festival is set to occur on January 14, which is just a day prior to the elections for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Mumbai.

Initiated in June 2024, the Ladki Bahin scheme offers a monthly payment of Rs 1,500 to women aged between 21 and 65 from families earning less than Rs 2.5 lakh annually. This initiative is believed to have significantly contributed to the Mahayuti alliance's success in securing 230 out of 288 seats in the Maharashtra Assembly elections held in November.

The Mahayuti coalition consists of the BJP, the faction of Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and the Nationalist Congress Party faction under Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

On Sunday, Harshwardhan Sapkal, the president of Maharashtra Congress, accused Mahajan of attempting to sway female voters with his announcement regarding the release of funds for December and January, claiming it violated the model code of conduct.

Dinesh Waghmare, the State Election Commissioner, stated that the commission would review the complaint and act according to legal guidelines.

The commission has requested Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal to provide a report on the matter by Monday, as per sources.

In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted that the Ladki Bahin Yojana is an ongoing initiative of the state government and does not breach the election code of conduct.