Lucknow, Aug. 14 -- Ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the BJP government in the state is mulling over a financial assistance scheme for women, who constitute about 45% of the voters, on the lines of schemes announced by the Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra governments, according to people familiar with the matter.

Signalling a fight for women votes between the BJP-led NDA and the Samajwadi Party-led INDIA bloc, the reported move has led to SP chief Akhilesh Yadav repeating his pledge that his party would begin with Rs.40,000 yearly assistance for women, with annual increases.

When asked if the government is planning a financial assistance scheme for women before the assembly elections, Uttar Pradesh finance...