India, Jan. 13 -- The State Election Commission (SEC) on Monday barred the Mahayuti-led Maharashtra government from releasing the January instalment of the 'Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin' scheme ahead of schedule.

The SEC issued the clarification after receiving multiple complaints triggered by media reports that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and minister Girish Mahajan had stated that eligible beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin scheme would receive a consolidated amount of Rs.3,000 for December and January in their bank accounts before Makar Sankranti on January 14. Track latest updates on Maharashtra civic polls 2026 here

Mahajan described this as a "special gift" from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The SEC cited the enforcement of...