Source The New Indian express
KOLKATA – In a high-decibel pitch to capture the eastern citadel of West Bengal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday released the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) election manifesto, headlined by aggressive social welfare schemes and a firm commitment to legal reform.
At the heart of the “Sankalp Patra” (Pledge Document) is a direct challenge to the ruling Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) flagship ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme. Shah announced that if voted to power, the BJP would provide ₹3,000 every month to all women in the state—nearly tripling the current financial aid provided by the Mamata Banerjee government.
A Radical Legal Shift: UCC in Six Months
Moving beyond economics, the manifesto took a sharp turn toward ideological governance. Shah declared that a BJP-led government would implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within the first six months of taking office.
“We are committed to ensuring legal uniformity. The UCC will be a reality in Bengal within 180 days of our government formation, ensuring justice and equality for all citizens regardless of faith,” Shah told a crowded press conference in Kolkata.
Key Highlights of the Manifesto:
Empowering Women: In addition to the monthly ₹3,000 grant, the party promised free public transport for women across the state.
Citizenship and Identity: Reiteration of the swift implementation of the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) to provide refugee communities with citizenship.
Economic Revival: The creation of a “Special Task Force” to investigate corruption in various state recruitment drives and the promise of one job per family.
Infrastructure: A massive push for the “Purvodaya” initiative to modernize Kolkata’s infrastructure and revive the state’s industrial belt.
“Ending the Culture of Violence”
During his address, Amit Shah took aim at the current administration, alleging a breakdown of law and order. He framed the election as a choice between “TMC’s corruption” and “BJP’s development.”
“Bengal has seen enough of ‘Tolabaazi’ (extortion) and syndicate raj. Our manifesto is not just a book of promises, but a roadmap to restore the glory of Sonar Bangla,” Shah asserted.
The announcement sets the stage for a polarized and intense electoral battle, as the BJP leans heavily on a mix of heavyweight populism and core ideological promises to unseat the three-term Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Political Analysis:
Analysts suggest the ₹3,000 monthly promise is a strategic move to pivot the crucial women’s vote bank, which has been a traditional stronghold for the TMC. Meanwhile, the UCC timeline signals the BJP’s intent to maintain its national “One Nation, One Law” narrative in the sensitive border state.
