The paper reexamines the logic and relevance of the big push in transforming the rural poor. Theories of circular causation of poverty and immanent economic controversies, such as the critical minimum effort, balanced vs. unbalanced growth are examined. The economic and social relevance of big push strategies as emerging from Indian realities is studied. Finally, some dilemmas in pursuing big push strategies and a few tentative formulations of what might constitute the big push are set forth.