West Bengal’s 2026 Assembly elections are being shaped by the TMC’s extensive welfare-driven governance, known as the “Didi Model.” Initiatives like Lakshmir Bhandar for women, Khadya Sathi for food security, Kanyashree Prakalpa for girls’ education, Swasthya Sathi for healthcare, and Banglar Yuva Sathi for youth employment have created a direct connect between the state and households. These schemes form the backbone of Mamata Banerjee’s electoral strategy, aiming to consolidate support among women, youth, and economically weaker sections. However, issues such as payment delays, coverage gaps, and long-term sustainability continue to attract attention, making welfare both a political asset and a challenge.