Union Home minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will pick a chief minister from within West Bengal if it comes to power, but stopped short of naming a face.
Speaking in Kolkata after releasing the party's manifesto, Shah was quoted as saying by ABP, "I can assure people that a person from Bengal and a Bengali will be the chief minister of the state."
"We are not a party of lineage. It can be any Bengali. A resident of Bengal will become the Chief Minister of Bengal from BJP. Don't worry about this. He will be capable. He will be qualified, he will be a leader. He will also bring good governance," Shah said.
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The remark came amid speculation over whether Suvendu Adhikari or Samik Bhattacharya could be projected as the party's CM candidate.
Poll battle set for April
West Bengal is set to vote in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. The election is expected to be a direct contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The BJP's campaign has focused on leadership, governance and key policy promises outlined in its manifesto.
Manifesto focuses on welfare and security
Unveiling the 'Sankalp Patra', Shah described it as a roadmap for the state's future. "The BJP Sankalp Patra will guide farmers, youth and women, giving them a new direction. It will offer renewed hope to every citizen who takes pride in Bengal's culture and will serve as a roadmap for the creation of Sonar Bangla," he said.
The party has promised Rs 3,000 monthly assistance for women and unemployed youth, along with implementing the Seventh Pay Commission for state employees within 45 days of coming to power.
Hardline stance on infiltration
Border security and infiltration were highlighted as central issues in the campaign. Shah said the BJP would adopt a strict policy if elected.
"Our BJP government in Bengal will move with zero tolerance towards infiltration in the state," he said, adding that the approach would be to "detect, delete and deport".
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The party has also promised to strengthen border security and curb cattle smuggling, while announcing 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs, including the police force.
