Nagpur: In a significant development ahead of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections, the State Election Commission (SEC) on Monday barred the Maharashtra government from depositing ₹3,000 in the bank accounts of beneficiaries under the Ladki Bahin scheme before January 15.

According to the SEC’s order, the state government is now permitted to transfer only ₹1,500 to the beneficiaries during the election period. The decision came after the Maharashtra Congress lodged a complaint, alleging that the ruling Mahayuti government was planning to disburse the January 2026 installment in advance to influence voters ahead of the civic polls.

Sources said the government intended to credit the amount—originally due in February—before polling day as the NMC elections entered their final phase. Taking cognisance of the complaint, the SEC ruled that the advance payment of ₹3,000 would violate the Model Code of Conduct, which comes into force during elections.

Polling for the municipal elections is scheduled for January 15, with counting of votes to take place on January 16. The SEC’s directive is being seen as a potential setback for the Mahayuti alliance, especially as the Ladki Bahin scheme is considered a key welfare initiative aimed at women voters.

The order has sparked political reactions, with the opposition terming it a victory for electoral fairness, while the ruling side is assessing the impact of the restriction during the crucial final days of campaigning.