Overview
- State minister Girish Mahajan said eligible beneficiaries would receive a combined Rs 3,000 for December and January before Makar Sankranti on January 14.
- The State Election Commission asked Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal for an immediate report and is examining viral messages tying the payout to voting appeals.
- The Maharashtra Congress petitioned the SEC to defer any transfer until after the January 15 municipal polls, citing potential inducement of over one crore women voters.
- Ruling leaders argue the Ladki Bahin Yojana is a continuing programme not restricted by the code, though reports indicate the December instalment still awaits finance department clearance.
- Payments have been delayed since late 2025 as the government enforces mandatory eKYC following audits that found over 26 lakh ineligible beneficiaries and significant fiscal strain.