NEW DELHI: The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal is banking heavily on an expansive network of direct-benefit and targeted social welfare schemes to retain voter support ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for May-June. In contrast, the principal Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is attempting to connect directly with voters while highlighting Central welfare schemes it claims have not been implemented in the state due to resistance from the Mamata Banerjee-led government.
The TMC government’s strategy is reflected in the recently presented state Budget, which places strong emphasis on welfare-driven spending and introduces new initiatives aimed at attracting voter segments perceived to be drifting away. The party is seeking to counter anti-incumbency sentiment by reinforcing its pro-people image, with particular focus on women, youth, farmers and marginalised communities.
Earlier this month, the government introduced the Yuva-Sathi Scheme targeting unemployed youth and first-time voters, proposing a monthly stipend of Rs. 1,500. Although initially slated for implementation from August 2026, the rollout has been advanced to April 1, a move widely seen as intended to appeal to young voters ahead of the elections.
In addition, the state has proposed a Rs. 1,000 monthly honorarium increase for ASHA and Anganwadi workers, para-teachers and civic volunteers—groups considered a substantial support base for the ruling party. The hike, effective from April, will benefit workers currently earning between Rs. 8,000 and Rs. 12,000 per month.
Under the flagship Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which provides monthly financial assistance to women aged 25–60, the government has announced a Rs. 500 increase in the allowance. Women from the general category will now receive Rs. 1,500 per month, while women from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities will receive Rs. 1,700. Introduced ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections and widely credited with strengthening the TMC’s electoral prospects, the scheme remains central to the party’s outreach strategy. The government also continues to implement the Kanyashree Prakalpa scheme, which provides an annual scholarship of Rs. 1,000 to unmarried girls aged 13-18 and a one-time grant of Rs. 25,000 upon turning 18, provided they remain in education.
Political observers view the timing of these announcements as a calculated move designed to boost campaign momentum and consolidate support among women, minorities and economically weaker sections. Opposition parties, especially the BJP, have criticised the approach as “dole politics,” arguing that excessive welfare spending comes at the cost of industrial growth, infrastructure development and long-term employment generation.
The BJP has also alleged that the state government blocks Central welfare schemes while promoting its own programmes for political advantage. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assumed a central role in shaping the BJP’s electoral roadmap in the state.
