Kolkata: CM Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said all eligible women financially dependent on monthly assistance would be covered under the Annapurna Yojana, even if the number of beneficiaries rises by 20-30 lakh.He also announced that Sept 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, would be observed across Bengal as ‘Annapurna Divas’, with Adhikari set to lead a programme in Kolkata attended by one lakh beneficiaries.Adhikari said women who applied before the July 31 cut-off but were left out of the initial list could reapply online. He, however, said threats, media trials, protests, social media reels and speeches would not change the govt’s decisions.The Bengal govt disbursed Rs 3,000 each to 1.45 crore women under Annapurna Yojana in August, but protests have erupted after lakhs of applicants were allegedly excluded.Unlike the scheme, which has several financial eligibility criteria, the previous Lakshmir Bhandar covered 2.3 crore women, with payouts of Rs 1,000-1,500.Addressing beneficiaries at Bhowanipore’s Northern Park, Adhikari said the BJP govt’s mandate was for development, not merely welfare.“I wish to assure you of one thing—the hope, trust, and dreams with which you brought the BJP to office were not just for doles, but to usher in all-round development for Bengal,” he said.He urged party workers not to be unsettled by criticism on social media, saying: “Do not get anxious over big talk on social media. How many days did it take the Trinamool govt to give a mere Rs 500 under Lakshmir Bhandar in 2021? Two months before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, this was increased to Rs 1,000, and three months before the 2026 polls, it became Rs 1,500. Suvendu Adhikari will not bend before the lectures of 20 or 30 people.”He added: “I give you my word: those who depend on these minimal payouts or are genuinely eligible—even if it amounts to 20 to 30 lakh more people—I will ensure they get it.”Adhikari also alleged that welfare schemes had been politicised under the previous Trinamool govt and said financially weaker applicants, including those allegedly denied benefits for political reasons, would be prioritised.On Sept 17, he said Annapurna beneficiaries would gather in every district, while he would address a rally of one lakh beneficiaries in Kolkata.“On Sept 17, Modiji’s birthday, we will observe Annapurna Divas across the entire state of West Bengal. Annapurna beneficiaries will gather in every district, and I will hold a rally in Kolkata with 100,000 Annapurna beneficiaries,” he said.EOM
