The Telangana government has urged the 16th Finance Commission to increase the state’s share of Central taxes from 41% to 50% and grant greater autonomy in implementing centrally sponsored schemes. They also proposed changes to the resource allocation formula, advocating for a greater emphasis on GSDP. The government defended their welfare programs, arguing they are crucial investments in the well-being of the people.
The Andhra Pradesh education department has renamed several student welfare schemes, previously named after former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, with the names of renowned figures in education, such as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. The move, initiated by the state’s ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government, aims to free educational institutions from political influence and make them centers of learning.
The All-India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has strategically crafted and implemented welfare schemes, particularly those targeting women, as a cornerstone of its politics in West Bengal since coming to power. The Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, providing cash assistance to women aged 25-60, emerged as a game-changer in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Moreover, allegations of corruption leveled by the BJP were countered by the Trinamool, who successfully articulated Bengali regional aspirations. By highlighting issues of deprivation and opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the party gained electoral mileage and increased its support base among Muslims. This shift demonstrates a new direction in subnational politics, emphasizing welfare initiatives and regional identity.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance model, highlighting poverty reduction efforts and welfare schemes reaching the underprivileged without discrimination. He criticized the Congress for misleading people for decades with empty slogans.
Despite being in a predominantly Muslim area and having made controversial statements against Muslim immigrants in the past, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma received a warm welcome from Muslim voters in Rupahi and Samaguri. The Chief Minister’s popularity stems from his delivery of jobs, roads, and a sense of freedom from local corruption. He promised further development projects and freedom from the corruption of local politicians. This outreach is seen as an experiment based on Sarma’s performance as CM in the last three years and could potentially provide a new campaign paradigm for the rest of India.
