India, April 22 -- 'Lakshmir Bhandar', a key welfare scheme for women launched by the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC), has been one of the biggest deciding factors in West Bengal elections. This scheme has helped Mamata Banerjee, fondly called 'Didi' or elder sister, build a massive "fanbase" among women voters in the state.

For the unversed, the scheme provides financial help to women from economically weaker sections. After the hike announced earlier this year, women in the general category receive Rs.1,500 each month, and women from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes receive Rs.1,700 per month.

Looking to tilt women voters in its favour, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in its manifesto, promised to raise the amo...