Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Bengal BJP Chief Blames System, Sabotage for Annapurna Delays
Annapurna Yojana is a program that promises eligible women Rs 3,000 each month.
Some women said they did not receive their money by August 20.
They protested in several parts of West Bengal.
BJP leader Samik Bhattacharya said computer system problems and mistakes in forms caused some delays.
He also alleged that people were trying to disrupt the program.
He did not say who was responsible for the alleged sabotage.
He promised that every eligible woman would eventually receive the money.
Different leaders gave different estimates about how many more women could join the program.
Officials said applications were checked to make sure benefits went to genuine beneficiaries.
Women in several West Bengal districts protested after not receiving Rs 3,000 monthly Annapurna Yojana payments.
Applicants said they had completed the application and verification process but missed the state’s August 20 payment deadline.
Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya attributed the delays to system problems, administrative lapses, form-filling errors and alleged sabotage.
Bhattacharya said everyone eligible would receive the benefit and claimed only two to three per cent of beneficiaries remained unpaid.
Officials cited differing expansion figures: Bhattacharya mentioned nearly 50 lakh additional women, while Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari indicated 20–30 lakh could be added.
- Who
- Women applicants and protesters, Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya, Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and state officials are involved.
- What
- Payments under the Annapurna Yojana were delayed for some women, prompting protests and allegations of system problems and sabotage.
- When
- The reported payment deadline was August 20; Bhattacharya addressed the issue on Sunday, and September 17 was announced as Annapurna Diwas in West Bengal.
- Where
- Protests occurred in several West Bengal districts, including outside the West Midnapore district magistrate’s office; Bhattacharya spoke at an event in Howrah.
- Why
- Bhattacharya cited system deviations, administrative lapses, form-filling negligence and alleged attempts to disrupt the scheme, while applicants protested non-payment after verification.
Government and BJP assurances
Applicants’ complaints and opposition allegations
Reason for delayed payments
Government and BJP assurances
Samik Bhattacharya blamed system problems, administrative lapses, form-filling errors and alleged sabotage. Agnimitra Paul separately alleged that Trinamool Congress workers were provoking unrest in some places.
Applicants’ complaints and opposition allegations
Women protesting in several districts said they had applied within the required period, completed verification and still had not received their payments.
Whether eligible women will be paid
Government and BJP assurances
Bhattacharya, Suvendu Adhikari and senior state officials said all eligible beneficiaries would receive the Annapurna benefit.
Applicants’ complaints and opposition allegations
Applicants’ protests and their reported failure to receive money by August 20 showed that some women were still waiting despite completing the stated process.
Beneficiary screening and earlier irregularities
Government and BJP assurances
Bhattacharya said scrutiny would prevent alleged fraudulent practices associated with the earlier Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, including payments to men.
Applicants’ complaints and opposition allegations
The reports describe the allegations about the previous Trinamool Congress government but do not provide a response from the previous government.
- Scheme
- Annapurna Yojana
- Monthly benefit
- Rs 3,000 per eligible woman
- Reported deadline
- August 20
- Current beneficiaries
- Around 1.45 crore women, according to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
- Reported unpaid share
- Bhattacharya claimed two to three per cent had not received the money
- Proposed expansion
- Bhattacharya mentioned nearly 50 lakh additional women; Adhikari indicated 20–30 lakh could be added if required
- Annual value
- Rs 36,000 per beneficiary
- Verification
- Applications underwent scrutiny, including an online verification process
