The BJP released its manifesto for the West Bengal Assembly elections. The formal name is ‘Sankalpa Patra’. The saffron camp has entered the battle with confidence of bringing a change in power in the state. The ‘Sankalpa Patra’ provides detailed information about what the BJP will do if it forms a government in the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the manifesto at a press conference at a hotel in New Town on Friday.
The manifesto includes plans ranging from the development of North Bengal to increasing assistance to farmers, implementation of all central projects, and the creation of new townships in the state. Issues from Singur's abandoned land to Tajpur's seaport have also been included. The implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has received importance. Along with development, the BJP’s manifesto also hints at action against corruption during the Trinamool Congress government and punishment for those found guilty.
What are the promises?
The BJP said it will adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding infiltration. Shah said, “We will follow the policy of ‘Detect, Delete and Deport’.”
Also Read | Six injured in Dhupguri clash over land dispute, tension grips area
DA will be ensured for state government employees. The Seventh Pay Commission will be implemented within 45 days of forming the government. Women from middle-class and poor sections will be given ₹3,000 per month. Shah said that various central government projects that are currently stalled will be implemented in Bengal, including Ayushman Bharat.
Facilities will be ensured so that all expectant mothers in Bengal can give birth in hospitals. Women’s health services will be expanded, and cancer vaccination will be introduced. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in Bengal within six months.
Cattle smuggling along Bengal’s borders will be stopped. A special women’s battalion named ‘Durga Suraksha Squad’ will be created for women’s security. Along with this, 33 percent reservation will be provided for women in all government jobs in the state.
One crore employment opportunities will be created. Youth will be made self-reliant through small industries. Unemployed youth will be given a monthly allowance of ₹3,000 until they find employment.
Arrangements will be made to prosecute and punish corrupt individuals of the Trinamool government. A white paper will be issued on this matter. Three separate white papers will be published on corruption, deterioration of law and order, and measures for improvement.
Special government assistance will be provided for paddy, potato, and mango cultivation. Fair prices for crops will be ensured for farmers. Every fisherman in the state will be included under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana’. Along with this, West Bengal will be developed into one of the country’s leading fish-exporting states.
Development of old tea gardens in North Bengal, global branding of Darjeeling tea, and modernization of the jute industry will be undertaken.
Kurmali and Rajbanshi languges will be included in the Indian Eighth Schedule. A special ‘Vande Mataram Museum’ will be created. Laws will be enforced to ensure freedom of religious practice.
Also Read | Kolkata weather turns dramatic: Rain, thunder, 40 kmph winds under IMD yellow alert
Amit Shah expressed confidence about forming a government by winning a majority of seats in Bengal. At the press conference, Shah said, “Just a few days ago, we had presented a charge sheet before the people of Bengal. All the corruption and misgovernance that happened during 15 years of this government was included in that charge sheet. This manifesto contains the roadmap of how the Bharatiya Janata Party will build ‘Bikashit Bangla’.”
However, the Trinamool Congress has criticised the BJP’s manifesto. It said, “If illegal infiltration has occurred, then is this not a stain on Home Minister Amit Shah? Even after conducting NRC, why did the Election Commission and the Home Ministry fail to publish even one verified statistic of foreigners identified in Bengal?” The Trinamool Congress also sarcastically called the BJP’s manifesto a ‘blank paper’.
