The West Bengal government’s announcement of an increased allocation for the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme in the state budget sparked celebrations among women workers of the Trinamool Congress in Balurghat on Thursday.
The celebration was organized in Ward No. 22 of the Balurghat Municipality under the initiative of Trinamool Congress councillor Pradipta Chakraborty, who led a program to express gratitude to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Women party workers marked the occasion by dressing a local child as Goddess Lakshmi, beating traditional drums, applying green-colored powder, and distributing sweets, turning the event into a festive gathering.
Speaking at the event, Pradipta Chakraborty said the budgetary enhancement of the welfare scheme reflected the Chief Minister’s continued commitment to the financial security and dignity of women in the state. The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which provides direct cash transfers to women from economically weaker households, has been one of the flagship social welfare programs of the Trinamool Congress government and remains politically significant ahead of future elections.
The celebrations, however, drew criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP leader Purnima Mohanta described the budget as “directionless,” arguing that it failed to provide a clear roadmap for employment generation and long-term economic development. As political reactions continue to unfold, the budget has once again highlighted the sharp divide between the ruling party’s emphasis on welfare schemes and the opposition’s focus on employment and economic growth.
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