Suvendu, Mamata spar over Annapurna Bhandar benefits in West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee said that before elections BJP did not speak about benifits being given to eligible beneficiaries

Published - August 25, 2026 02:17 am IST - Kolkata

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. File | Photo Credit: PTI

The disbursement of cash to women under the West Bengal government’s Annapurna Bhandar scheme has given a handle to the Opposition parties to target the Suvendu Adhikari government.

Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee took the opportunity on Monday (August 24, 2026) to target the Bharatiya Janata Party government. “Before the election, the BJP did not discuss eligibility to receive the money. Will the BJP now decide who is eligible? Why are women not receiving money under the Annapurna scheme? Women are being given benefits based on caste and religion,” the former Chief Minister said.

Women in different parts of the State came out in protest last week, alleging that they have been denied benefits of ₹3000 per month under the scheme. Mr. Banerjee had launched a scheme to give cash to women in the State in 2021, and before the change of regime, the number of beneficiaries who were receiving the benefits of ₹1500 per month had climbed up to 2.2 crore.

On Monday (August 24, 2026), Ms. Banerjee assured women who have been denied benefits that she will stand by them. “Take down the names of those who are being deprived of Lakshmir Bhandar and Annapurna Yojana benefits. They will be contacted. I was with you, I am with you, and I will remain with you,” the Trinamool Congress chairperson said.

Alleging that the BJP government has denied her permission to hold public meetings, Ms. Banerjee also added that those who think she will retire from politics simply because of permission being denied permission are mistaken. “Our fight will not stop until the BJP itself is forced into political retirement,” she said.

Hours later Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that 1.45 crore beneficiaries have been disbursed with Annapurna Yojana funds. The Chief Minister tried to defend the fact that beneficiaries of Annapurna Bhandar are being scrutinised and said that if the scheme was universal, then why was it promised to women between 25 and 60 years of age during the Trinamool Congress regime.

Mr. Adhikari refuted allegations of Muslim being denied benefits under the scheme and said that about 19.20 lakh Muslims have got benefits under the scheme. “ Those eligible, whether Hindu or Muslim, Trinamool or BJP, have received the benefits,” the Chief Minister said. Mr. Adhikari said that a portal has been opened where people can lodge complaints for denial of benefits and also complain if anyone who is non-deserving is getting benefits of the scheme.

The Bhabanipur MLA, who had defeated the former Chief Minister on two occasions in 2026 and 2021, took a swipe at Ms. Banerjee who has been going live on social media rather than holding press conferences.

“Stay on Facebook, we will make arrangements so that she cannot go out on the streets,” Mr. Adhikari said.

Published - August 25, 2026 02:17 am IST

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