West Medinipur

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday sharply criticised the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) over governance and flood management, promising that a BJP government would implement the long-pending Ghatal Master Plan within a year to address recurring floods in the region.

Speaking at a rally in the Debra constituency ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Shah alleged that the state government had rejected a comprehensive flood management proposal sent by the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the plan, estimated at ₹1,500 crore with 60 per cent funding from the Centre, was not taken forward by the TMC administration.

Assuring voters, Shah said that if the BJP comes to power in the state, it would prioritise the implementation of the Ghatal Master Plan and provide a lasting solution to the flood problem.

Earlier in the day, Shah also unveiled the BJP’s election manifesto for West Bengal, centred around the vision of “Sonar Bangla.” The document outlines the party’s proposed governance framework, with emphasis on national security, job creation for youth, and ensuring women’s safety.

He stated that the manifesto includes 15 key promises aimed at addressing governance issues, developmental gaps, and security concerns in the state.

With the 294-member West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, the political contest has intensified. The polls are scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4.

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Later, while addressing a programme in Kolkata, Shah also said that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be introduced in the state within six months if the BJP forms the government. He noted that several BJP-ruled states have already implemented such a framework to ensure uniform laws for all citizens.