In the remote villages of Malda district, West Bengal, women are sustaining their livelihoods through bidi-making, a traditional craft that offers them financial independence. Despite the government's 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme, which provides ₹1,200 monthly to women, many women, like Mousamad Bibi from Debipur-Hajipur, emphasize that their primary income comes from rolling bidis at home. They earn between ₹150 and ₹200 for every 1,000 bidis produced, showcasing a blend of resilience and self-reliance. However, the recent electoral roll revisions have disrupted their work, leading to long queues and lost earnings as they navigate bureaucratic processes. Political candidates, including Sabina Yasmin from the Trinamool Congress, are seen engaging with these women to gain support ahead of the 2026 elections. The 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme, initiated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee five years ago, has been pivotal in securing women's votes, yet many women continue to rely on bidi-making as their primary source of income.