As campaigning for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections enters its final phase, posters linked to the BJP’s Ladki Bahin Yojana have triggered a political and regulatory response. The posters, circulated prabhag-wise by local candidates of the Bharatiya Janata Party, prominently mentioned that women beneficiaries would receive ₹3,000 on January 14, just a day before polling on January 15, alongside appeals to vote for the party.
Following objections raised by the Indian National Congress, the matter was taken up by the State Election Commission (SEC). Congress argued that projecting the ₹3,000 payment so close to polling amounted to an attempt to influence voters and violated the Model Code of Conduct.
After examining the complaint, the SEC denied permission for the ₹3,000 payment ahead of polling. However, it allowed the government to release ₹1,500, which officials said was part of an already scheduled and routine instalment, not a fresh or enhanced benefit timed for elections.
Election officials clarified that while welfare schemes cannot be abruptly introduced or amplified during the election period, existing and regular disbursements may continue with restrictions. The SEC also reiterated that campaign material linking cash benefits directly with polling dates would remain under scrutiny.
As Nagpur heads to the polls, the decision has added a sharp edge to the final campaign narrative, highlighting the tightrope between welfare delivery and election rules.
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