Kolkata, Nov 11 (NationPress) A large number of women affiliated with the BJP protested outside the Block Development Office (BDO) in Moyna, located in East Midnapore district of West Bengal, on Tuesday. They claimed that their monthly benefits from the state government's 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme were being unfairly halted due to their political ties.

The police intervened, halting the women's demonstration, which escalated into a confrontation between the protesters and female police officers.

During the protest, the women sat down on the road, voicing their frustrations over the absence of the monthly stipend intended for homemakers.

Afterward, they submitted a formal request to the BDO, asking for the reinstatement of the financial aid.

Reports indicate that approximately 12,000 women in Moyna have not received their monthly stipends of Rs 1,000 (for general category) and Rs 1,200 (for SC and ST categories) for nearly three months.

Around 1,000 women, organized by the Tamluk district BJP, gathered to deliver their request at the BDO office on Tuesday.

It was alleged that police restricted access to the BDO office, as its gates were locked and a significant police presence, including women officers, was stationed outside.

The protesters issued a warning that if the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme is not reinstated, they would encircle the district magistrate's office.

One of the protesting women expressed, 'We have been mistreated by the police. We are here because we haven’t received our money for three months. Financial aid is being distributed elsewhere, but not to us. Is our political affiliation the reason for this?'

Subsequently, the women concluded their protest after handing over their request to the BDO office.

The 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme provides monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 for women in the general category and Rs 1,200 for those in the SC and ST categories.

Eligibility for the scheme extends to all women between the ages of 18 and 60.