TMC Focuses on Welfare in Interim West Bengal Budget to Secure Votes

The TMC government has unveiled an interim budget aimed at women and young voters ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Key announcements include an increase in the Lakshmir Bhandar allowance and a new scheme for unemployed youth, Banglar Yuva Sathi, reflecting the TMC's strategy to consolidate crucial electoral support.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) government has announced an interim budget designed to secure electoral support ahead of the forthcoming West Bengal Assembly elections by targeting key voter demographics, such as women and young people.

Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya revealed a budget of Rs 4.06 lakh crore for 2026-27, which includes a Rs 500 increase in the Lakshmir Bhandar allowance, raising it to Rs 1,500 for women in the general category and Rs 1,700 for Scheduled Caste and Tribe women. A new initiative, Banglar Yuva Sathi, promises a Rs 1,500 monthly stipend for unemployed youth between 21-40, contingent on TMC retaining power.

The budget underscores a strategic effort to court nearly half the electorate and placate restless constituencies through financial commitments, setting political commentators and opposition figures to criticize the timing as electoral vote-buying. The budget further promises development in MSMEs, infrastructure, and welfare schemes, despite opposition dismissals as election-oriented moves.

(With inputs from agencies.)