New Delhi, Feb. 5 -- As the West Bengal Assembly election 2026 draws closer, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has rolled out some big-ticket promises in the Rs.4.06 lakh crore interim state budget aimed at shoring up welfare support for gig workers, women and unemployed youths.

From hiking the allowance under the Lakshmi Bhandar to including gig workers in the social security schemes, the West Bengal chief minister has rolled out a set of budget proposals aimed at expanding welfare coverage.

After the budget presentation, Mamata Banerjee said, "We are number one in many schemes like 100 Days Rojgar Yojana, Awas Yojana. But the central government stopped funding for these schemes."

"We present this budget for people, not focusing on the e...