BJP’s Bengal manifesto takes aim at TMC rule; pitches jobs, DA relief, crackdown on infiltration

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday unveiled the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, projecting it as a roadmap to shift the state from “despair to development” in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.

The 15-point manifesto comes with the BJP attempting to sharpen its challenge against the ruling Trinamool Congress, framing the election as a turning point after 15 years of governance under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

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Addressing a press conference, Shah accused the TMC government of presiding over a breakdown in law and order.

“People gave Mamata Didi a mandate with great hope, but today they are seeking change from the heart,” he said, adding that the BJP’s agenda remains aligned with the Prime Minister’s development vision.

Manifesto framed as ‘Sonar Bangla’ vision

Positioned around the idea of “Sonar Bangla”, the document lays out a governance model centred on security, employment and welfare, with the BJP claiming it offers a decisive shift from the current regime.

“This manifesto is a path to bring every section of Bengal out of despair. It will show a new way out for farmers surrounded by various kinds of fears. It will also place before the people of Bengal the roadmap for the developed India envisioned by Prime Minister Modi,” Shah said.

He added, “The people are frightened and disillusioned. The people want change from the heart. Today we are working as the main opposition party in the Bengal Assembly.”

Security, corruption crackdown and governance reforms

Among the headline promises, the BJP has proposed a stringent approach to illegal infiltration, outlining a “detect, delete and deport” mechanism. The party has also committed to bringing out a white paper detailing what it calls corruption and governance failures during the TMC’s tenure.

At the grassroots level, the manifesto promises action against syndicate networks and the controversial “cut money” practice. For government employees, it assures clearance of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) dues and implementation of the 7th Pay Commission within a fixed timeline.

Jobs push and financial support for youth

The BJP has set an ambitious target of creating one crore jobs and self-employment opportunities over five years. As part of its unemployment strategy, the party has proposed financial assistance of Rs 10,000 for jobless youth.

Women’s safety and welfare measures

On women’s empowerment, the manifesto includes plans for all-women police battalions, a “Durga Suraksha Sahaya” scheme, and 33 per cent reservation in government jobs. It also promises a monthly assistance of Rs 3,000 for women beneficiaries.

Cultural recognition and sectoral focus

The party has proposed adding Kurmali and Rajbanshi to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, while also pledging support for key agricultural crops such as rice, potato and mango to boost farm incomes.

In fisheries, the BJP aims to register all fishermen under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and position West Bengal as an export hub.

Industry, healthcare and education plans

The manifesto outlines plans to revive tea gardens, strengthen the Darjeeling tea brand, and modernise the jute sector. In social sectors, it promises implementation of Ayushman Bharat and expansion of institutions like AIIMS, IIT and IIM in North Bengal.

Other proposals include free HPV vaccination, breast cancer screening, a ‘Vande Mataram’ museum, and legislation to ensure freedom of religious practices. The party has also reiterated its intent to implement the Uniform Civil Code and tighten laws against cattle smuggling.