India, Feb. 15 -- The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal is banking heavily on an expansive network of direct-benefit and targeted social welfare schemes to retain voter support ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for May-June. In contrast, the principal Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is attempting to connect directly with voters while highlighting Central welfare schemes it claims have not been implemented in the state due to resistance from the Mamata Banerjee-led government.

The TMC government's strategy is reflected in the recently presented state Budget, which places strong emphasis on welfare-driven spending and introduces new initiatives aimed at attracting voter segments perceived to be drifting away. T...