Maharashtra EC bars advance Ladki Bahin payment citing enforcement of the model code of conduct for municipal polls

The State Election Commission has halted the Maharashtra government's advance payment of ₹1,500 under the Ladki Bahin scheme to women beneficiaries due to the model code of conduct for municipal elections. This decision followed a Congress complaint alleging BJP's attempt to influence polls by disbursing the January payment early, though the December payment can proceed.