Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidates in West Bengal are strategically leveraging the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme in their election campaigns to appeal to women voters, despite facing criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Launched by the Mamata Banerjee-led state government in 2021, the Lakshmir Bhandar initiative provides financial assistance to women across different categories. General category women receive a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000, while Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe women receive Rs 1,200.
TMC candidates, including Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad, are actively promoting the scheme during their campaigns, believing it will significantly impact the ongoing general elections. With half of Bengal’s electorate being women, the TMC aims to win their support through this scheme.
Party insiders assert that despite controversies like the Sandeshkhali incident, the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme remains a focal point of their electoral strategy. They cite internal surveys indicating high approval ratings among women beneficiaries, who believe in its long-term benefits and financial security.
The TMC’s emphasis on Lakshmir Bhandar comes amidst allegations and counter-allegations between political parties regarding the safety and rights of women in the state. The National Commission for Women (NCW) previously recommended President’s rule in West Bengal due to reported atrocities and violence in the Sandeshkhali area.
While the TMC highlights the positive impact of Lakshmir Bhandar, the BJP criticizes it as an attempt to influence women voters through financial incentives. BJP MP Locket Chatterjee criticized the scheme, emphasizing the importance of women’s dignity and safety in Bengal.
As the election unfolds, the contrasting narratives around Lakshmir Bhandar underscore the broader political dynamics at play in West Bengal.
