Maharashtra Elections: Women Receive ₹1500 Under Ladki Bahin Yojana Ahead of Voting

• Maharashtra government deposited ₹1500 into bank accounts of eligible women under Ladki Bahin Yojana, one day before local body elections.
• Over 1 crore women beneficiaries in Maharashtra received the December installment.
• Election Commission halted the advance payment of the January installment due to the Model Code of Conduct.
• Congress complained to the Election Commission, alleging the payment was 'collective government bribery' to influence voters.
• Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal clarified that Ladki Bahin Yojana is an ongoing scheme, allowed to continue during MCC, but no advance payments or new beneficiaries.

Why It Matters: Maharashtra government disbursed ₹1500 to women beneficiaries just before local elections, sparking controversy.