Recent cash handouts associated with state elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry are expected to result in a short-term boost in consumer spending, particularly among low and middle-income groups. Executives from various consumer-facing companies indicated that discretionary categories such as apparel, smartphones, consumer electronics, and liquor are likely to see increased demand. Winning political parties have promised higher cash payouts to voters, with the BJP proposing to double monthly payments to women and unemployed youth in West Bengal from ₹1,500 (approximately $18 USD) to ₹3,000 (approximately $36 USD) per month. In Assam, similar cash benefits are promised to women, while Kerala's Congress-led United Democratic Front has pledged to enhance social welfare pensions. Retailers believe these cash doles will act as a trigger for purchases, especially as prices for mobile phones have risen by up to 20% this year due to increased raw material costs. However, experts caution that the impact of these cash handouts is typically short-lived, with spending returning to normal levels soon after the initial boost.