Bengal Interim Budget: Mamata's Pre-Poll Welfare Push?

• West Bengal's interim budget, expected in February, is seen as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's final chance to attract voters before Assembly polls.
• The budget session will likely convene in the first week of February, following the Union Budget presentation.
• In 2021, the Trinamool Congress government used the interim budget to increase allocations for the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme, raising monthly assistance from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.
• Speculation is high that the government might sweeten existing welfare schemes or announce new benefits targeting women, rural poor, and marginalized groups.
• The budget will also be influenced by the Union Budget and potential central transfers, with the opposition scrutinizing it for pre-poll inducements.

Why It Matters: Mamata Banerjee's interim budget is poised to be a crucial pre-election welfare strategy for West Bengal.