Ladki Bahin Yojana: Rs 3000 Before Voting? Minister's Statement Sparks Uproar, EC Alert

• A minister's statement about transferring Rs 3000 to 'Ladki Bahin' beneficiaries 24 hours before voting sparked controversy.
• The Mahayuti government plans to transfer two pending installments (Rs 1500 each for Dec 2025 & Jan 2026) totaling Rs 3000 on January 14.
• Opposition, including Congress and Mahavikas Aghadi, called it a 'collective government bribe' and a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
• CM Devendra Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule assert it's an ongoing scheme, not subject to election restrictions.
• The Election Commission has sought a detailed report from the Women and Child Development Department to investigate potential voter influence.

Why It Matters: Controversy erupts over Rs 3000 transfer to beneficiaries before Maharashtra local body elections, EC investigating.