India, Feb. 6 -- The West Bengal Government on Thursday tabled a Rs 4.06 lakh crore interim Budget in the State Assembly for the 2026-27 financial year, rolling out cash support and allowance hike measures targeting women, youths and frontline workers ahead of the polls due in less than three months.

In the heart of the budget lies a renewed push to consolidate women voters, nearly half of the state's electorate and the Trinamool Congress's most dependable electoral base. The State Government proposed to hike the monthly grant in the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme by Rs 500 from February this year, allocating a hefty Rs 15,000 crore. The allowance is at present Rs 1,000 for general category women and Rs 1,200 for SC/ ST women.

Tabling the Bu...