West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which provides financial support to women aged 25 to 60 from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, will continue under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. This decision is strategically significant as the scheme was a cornerstone of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) campaign, which framed the election as a choice between welfare and potential dismantling under BJP rule. The BJP had faced criticism for suggesting that such welfare programs could be reviewed, prompting the leadership to clarify its commitment to continuing Lakshmir Bhandar. The scheme currently offers up to ₹1,200 per month to eligible beneficiaries. Adhikari's announcement also included the implementation of other central welfare programs, such as Ayushman Bharat, reversing the previous TMC government's resistance to these initiatives. This move is part of a broader strategy to reshape the political landscape in West Bengal, where the BJP has made significant gains, establishing itself as a dominant force following its historic victory in the 2026 assembly elections. Adhikari's leadership and his focus on welfare issues have positioned him as a key player in this transformation.