SDPI Statement on Maharashtra SEC Blocking Pre-Poll ‘Special Gift’

Mohammad Shafi, National Vice President of the Social Democratic Party of India, said the Maharashtra State Election Commission’s decision to stop the advance January instalment of the Ladki Bahin Scheme exposes the BJP’s pattern of using public money as an electoral inducement.

He pointed out that municipal elections are scheduled for January 15, while the government planned to release the Ladki Bahin funds on January 14, clearly indicating an intent to sway voters just a day before polling. “This timing leaves no doubt that public money was being used as an electoral inducement,” he said.

He said the order against the Mahayuti government led by Devendra Fadnavis validates long-standing concerns that the BJP repeatedly announces or advances cash transfers at the eleventh hour to tilt electoral outcomes. “This is not governance; this is manipulation,” he added.

He further noted that similar last-minute financial announcements have been seen in multiple states, eroding public trust in welfare delivery. “When schemes are weaponised for elections, beneficiaries are reduced to vote banks and institutions are forced to intervene to protect democracy,” the statement said.

Calling the SEC’s action a necessary institutional correction, Mohammad Shafi urged authorities to ensure strict, uniform enforcement of election rules across states. “Public funds must serve people consistently, not be deployed as pre-poll gifts,” he said, demanding accountability for officials who planned the advance transfer.

He appealed to voters to reject cash-driven politics and judge governments on sustained delivery, transparency and respect for democratic norms—not on last-minute inducements masquerading as welfare.