"Only Bengal gives allowance to women", Mamata hits at Maharashtra's scheme

During her North Bengal visit, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Maharashtra government, alleging that it has not implemented women’s welfare schemes like Bengal’s ‘Lakshmi Bhandar,’ which provides regular allowances to women.

Speaking at Bagdogra Airport, Mamata claimed Maharashtra’s similar schemes are announced merely for election purposes, especially the ‘Ladki Behan’ scheme. She compared Maharashtra's allowance promises to Bengal's ongoing monthly financial support, which she argued is an established benefit for women in her state.

Mamata acknowledged that she avoids involving herself in other states’ political affairs, though she encouraged voters to reject the BJP. She specifically questioned Maharashtra’s coalition government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which offers a ₹1,500 monthly allowance for women, with a potential increase to ₹2,100 post-elections. Additionally, the opposition coalition ‘Maha Vikas Aghadi’ has promised a competing ‘Mahalakshmi Yojana’ providing ₹3,000 monthly if elected.

Mamata emphasized her commitment to developing Bengal’s hill areas, arriving in North Bengal on Monday for a two-day visit. Her agenda includes a meeting with GTA members in Darjeeling and inaugurating the ‘Saras Mela’ on November 13. Mamata will conclude her trip and return to Kolkata on November 14, accompanied by state ministers Arup Biswas and Udayan Guha.