BJP plans grand ‘Sankalpa Patra’ launch in Kolkata with Shah

In an effort to give its manifesto release (Sankalpa Patra) a major election push, the BJP is planning to turn the event into a high-impact political programme, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah expected to unveil the document in Kolkata.

Although there is no official confirmation on the event, party sources indicate that preparations are underway to generate interest around what is being described as a “high-profile” event.

Advertisement

“We have organised ‘Parivartan Yatra’, which was a major success. Then there was the massive Brigade rally. These two pre-election campaigns have made a significant impact on the people’s minds. The third will be the release of Sankalpa Patra. We will make it a major political show,” a senior BJP leader said.

Interestingly enough, according to preliminary plans, Amit Shah is likely to visit the state on 27 and 28 March.

The BJP is making arrangements so that the manifesto launch can be done for 28 March in the presence of the party’s state leadership.

The BJP appears keen to capitalise on Shah’s influence to amplify its electoral messaging.

The BJP leadership is of the opinion that in the last rally at Raidighi, Shah has made several promises, including implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission for state government employees within 45 days of coming to power, filling all vacant government posts within six months, reinstating abolished posts, and offering a five-year relaxation in the upper age limit for government job applicants.

“These promises will figure in the Sankalpa Patra. If Shah himself releases it then nothing can be better than that,” a senior party functionary said.

In addition, the manifesto is likely to address welfare schemes such as Lakshmir Bhandar (referred to by BJP as ‘Annapurna Bhandar’) and youth-focused initiatives like Yuva Sathi.

The party is also expected to outline plans for economic growth, infrastructure development, investment, job creation, and greater utilisation of central government support.

There is a possibility that the Sankalpa Patra might have some social security that has not been implemented in Bengal.

Over the past few months, the BJP has attempted to make manifesto-building a participatory exercise. Suggestion boxes were set up across districts, and party leaders ~ including MPs, MLAs, and ministers ~ reached out to various sections of society to gather inputs.

These public consultations are expected to be reflected in the final document.

While the programme remains unofficial for now, BJP’s efforts indicate that the manifesto launch could become a key moment in shaping the electoral narrative in West Bengal.