Mamata's 'Sathi' Schemes Challenge BJP in Bengal, Freebies Drive Election Success

• Mamata Banerjee has launched new 'Sathi' schemes like Yuva Sathi, building on the success of Swasthya Sathi and Lakshmir Bhandar, to counter BJP in Bengal.
• The Swasthya Sathi scheme, launched in 2016, provides medical benefits up to Rs 5 lakh to nearly all 9 crore residents of West Bengal.
• Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, targeting women aged 25-60, has increased monthly benefits to Rs 1500/1700, covering 2.42 crore women and significantly aiding TMC in elections.
• Yuva Sathi, a new scheme for unemployed youth (10th pass, 21-40 years), offers Rs 1,500 monthly for up to 5 years, with registration camps seeing massive crowds.
• While freebies boost electoral success, they raise concerns about increasing economic burden on states, with many facing debt and stalled development.