TMC eyes welfare push as Chandrima Bhattacharya to present budget on February 2

With the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, the Trinamool Congress government is preparing to use the upcoming state budget to reinforce its focus on social security, welfare schemes and women empowerment, which have been central to its electoral strategy in recent years. The budget for the financial year 2025–26 will be presented by Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya on February 2 at 3 pm.

As the last full-fledged budget before the elections, it is expected to carry several populist announcements aimed at consolidating voter support. Party and government sources indicate that flagship schemes such as ‘Banglar Bari’ and ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ will remain key focus areas, with likely increases in allocations to strengthen their reach and impact.

The budget is also expected to outline higher spending on infrastructure, healthcare, education and social welfare. Enhancements in direct cash transfer schemes and expansion of financial assistance for economically weaker sections are anticipated, along with the possibility of a hike in dearness allowance for state government employees.

Women voters, who now form a decisive segment of the electorate, are likely to remain at the centre of the government’s budgetary priorities. With women and minorities traditionally forming the core support base of the TMC, the upcoming budget is seen as a crucial exercise to reaffirm the government’s commitment to welfare-driven growth ahead of the 2026 polls.