TMC MP Criticizes BJP's Annapurna Scheme as a Conspiracy Against the Poor

On Friday, TMC MP Sougata Roy condemned the BJP, claiming that the party is orchestrating a conspiracy under the guise of the newly proposed 'Annapurna Scheme.' He pointed out that the BJP has released a lengthy 12-page form that he believes will be challenging for the impoverished to complete. Roy accused the BJP of attempting to limit the number of beneficiaries by introducing such a complex form, stating that those living in slums and the underprivileged cannot fill out a 12-page document. He labeled this as a deliberate scheme. Earlier, on Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari unveiled the forms for the Annapurna Scheme, which aims to provide women with financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month.

During a press conference, Chief Minister Adhikari expressed his concerns regarding approximately 3 million individuals who have neither applied under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) nor contacted the tribunal, yet are benefiting from financial aid intended solely for Indian citizens. The BJP had pledged to ensure women's economic independence by providing them with ₹3,000 monthly financial support.

Adhikari stated that the BJP's manifesto included a promise to launch the Annapurna Scheme immediately upon forming the government. This initiative is designed to offer direct financial assistance of ₹3,000 to eligible beneficiaries, particularly women. He noted that around 3 million individuals have not applied under the CAA or contacted the tribunal, yet they are currently receiving funds. This scheme is intended for residents of India, with exceptions for those who have applied under the CAA or filed appeals after tribunal decisions. Today, we are releasing a form through our Women and Child Development Department.