Maharashtra Congress General Secretary Sandesh Kondwilkar has raised objections to the state government’s plan to release the second instalment of the Ladki Behna Yojana on January 14, alleging that the timing could influence voters ahead of elections.

Kondwilkar has urged the Election Commission to immediately halt the transfer of funds into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, arguing that releasing welfare money so close to the polls may violate the spirit of the Model Code of Conduct. He claimed that such steps could be seen as an indirect attempt to sway public opinion using government schemes.

Taking cognisance of the complaint, the Election Commission has sought an explanation from officials responsible for implementing the Ladki Behna Yojana. The commission has also formally communicated with the Maharashtra government, asking it to clarify the circumstances and rationale behind the scheduled disbursement.