The Mamata government will present its interim budget today ahead of the elections, with a focus on welfare and development.

Just ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Bengal, the Mamata Banerjee government is set to present an interim budget (vote on account) in the state assembly on Thursday. ​​It is believed that through this budget, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will not only present an account of the state's economic health but also lay out a blueprint for her return to power for a fourth term.

The budget session will begin with an address by Governor CV Ananda Bose, after which Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya will present the interim budget in the House. This budget is considered extremely important in political and administrative circles, as it will directly indicate the electoral agenda and the government's priorities.

It is being said that this interim budget may be women and youth-centric. The women's vote bank has been a strong base for the Trinamool Congress in Bengal.

The budget is likely to announce new financial assistance schemes for women and youth. Additionally, significant investments in rural connectivity, including roads connecting villages and drinking water projects, may be announced before the elections.

Center vs. State: The issue of funds withheld by the central government (for schemes like MNREGA and housing schemes) is likely to be raised again during the budget speech.

Experts say that this may not be just a financial document, but rather something akin to an election manifesto. Mamata Banerjee knows very well that to secure a fourth term, it is essential to appeal to both the pockets and the emotions of the people.

The Mamata government's interim budget is expected to include additional provisions for schemes like 'Lakshmi Bhandar', 'Swasthya Sathi', 'Kanyashree', and rural employment programs.

BJP vocal on fire incident and corruption issues

This session of the Bengal Assembly is also very important for the opposition party BJP, as all the MLAs will have to enter the electoral fray afterward. It is believed that the opposition party will be quite vocal on issues of law and order and corruption, including the Anandpur fire incident, during this session. Indications of this were already evident on Tuesday.