The last budget of the Modi government before elections is now less than 24 hours away and expected to take the spotlight is an announcement of universal basic income. While the scheme has been contemplated in the power corridors of the national capital for a few years now, especially in light of the economic survey of 2016. An announcement regarding UBI assumes significance in a poll year that is perhaps what lead congress president Rahul Gandhi announcing a plan to deliver minimum income guarantee if voted to power in may 2019. Some believe that by doing so, Rahul may have stolen the Government's thunder but amid the politics arise critical questions and topping that list is the question of whether India can afford such a poverty alleviation scheme. If yes, then at what cost and what are the schemes that the government will do away with if this promise has to become more than just a poll sop?