Comeback script: Politics and economics of cash transfers must be debated

Although multiple factors influence outcomes, in both states the ruling alliances relied heavily on welfare schemes, such as cash transfers to women, which appear to have played a significant role

The year 2024 is set to go down in history as one of the most remarkable election years in India. Against all predictions, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short of a majority on its own in the Lok Sabha elections. Among the states where it suffered setbacks were Haryana and Maharashtra, which were slated to go for Assembly elections later in the year. A week is said to be a long time in politics. The gap between the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections — first in Haryana, and now in Maharashtra — was certainly long enough for the