As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections approach, the political discourse is dominated by cash-transfer schemes targeting women voters. The Trinamool Congress’s flagship ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme is now facing a massive challenge from the BJP’s proposed ‘Annapurna Bhandar’ initiative. Rumors are swirling in political circles that if the Mamata Banerjee-led government does not return to power, the Lakshmir Bhandar payouts could cease as early as May.

Currently, the scheme provides ₹1,500 monthly to general category women and ₹1,700 to SC/ST women, serving as a vital financial lifeline for millions of households. Sensing the impact, the BJP has assured voters that no welfare schemes will be scrapped. Instead, they have promised to replace it with the ‘Annapurna Bhandar’ scheme, offering ₹3,000 per month—doubling the current amount. The duel between “guaranteed existing support” versus “double the incentive” has become the biggest election issue. Analysts suggest that the decision of female voters will be the ultimate game-changer in deciding who occupies Nabanna this May.