A fierce debate erupted in West Bengal as opposition leader Mamata Banerjee and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari spar over the Annapurna Bhandar cash transfer scheme. The opposition accuses the BJP-led government of denying benefits based on caste and religion, while the government cites 1.45 crore beneficiaries and a new grievance portal.

  • The opposition accuses the BJP‑run government of blocking Annapurna Bhandar benefits.
  • Mamata Banerjee pledged to stand with women denied the cash assistance.
  • Suvendu Adhikari announced 1.45 crore beneficiaries and opened a grievance portal.

The Annapurna Bhandar scheme, launched by Mamata Banerjee in 2021, was designed to provide monthly cash assistance to women across West Bengal. Initially, ₹1,500 per month reached 2.2 crore women under the Trinamool Congress administration.

Recently, women in several districts staged protests, claiming they were denied the promised ₹3,000 monthly payout while others continued to receive it.

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Banerjee seized the moment, stating, "Before the election, the BJP never discussed eligibility for the money. Will they now decide who qualifies? Women are being denied benefits based on caste and religion." She framed the issue as a direct attack on the BJP government.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari responded that 1.45 crore beneficiaries have already received funds and that the scheme is being scrutinised for fairness. He highlighted that about 19.20 lakh Muslims have benefited, emphasizing that eligibility is based on age (25‑60) and not religion.

The administration has launched an online portal where citizens can lodge complaints if they are denied benefits or if they suspect ineligible individuals are receiving them, aiming to increase transparency.

With state elections looming, the controversy has turned the welfare program into a political weapon for both sides. The Annapurna Bhandar is now as much about vote‑bank politics as it is about social security.

Historical Background

During the Trinamool Congress rule, the scheme began in 2021 with 2.2 crore women receiving ₹1,500 per month. The current government reports a reduced figure of 1.45 crore beneficiaries, sparking discontent among many claimants.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that welfare schemes like Annapurna Bhandar are increasingly becoming battlegrounds for political narratives in West Bengal, influencing voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 state elections.

"The Annapurna Bhandar has become a litmus test for welfare politics in West Bengal," says political analyst Dr. Arindam Sen.
Did You Know?: The scheme was originally named "Lakshmi Bhandar" before being rebranded in 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Who is eligible for the Annapurna Bhandar scheme?

Answer: Women aged 25 to 60, irrespective of religion, are eligible for the cash assistance.

Question 2: What should I do if I am denied the benefit?

Answer: You can register a complaint on the official state portal, which tracks grievances and facilitates redressal.