Kolkata

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

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Shah mounted a strong attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress, alleging that its 15-year tenure has resulted in a breakdown of law and order. Referring to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he said the people of the state are now “seeking change from the heart”.

Describing the manifesto as a pathway to inclusive progress, Shah said it aims to address the concerns of farmers, youth and vulnerable sections while aligning with the broader goal of building a developed India. “This manifesto will show a new way out for Bengal and present a clear roadmap for the future,” he said, adding that public sentiment reflects fear and disillusionment under the current regime.

The manifesto, themed around “Sonar Bangla”, outlines 15 key promises spanning governance reforms, economic growth and social welfare. A major focus is on national security, with the party proposing a strict crackdown on infiltration through a “detect, delete and deport” policy. It also promises a white paper detailing alleged corruption and governance failures during the TMC’s rule.

To address corruption at the grassroots level, the BJP has pledged to dismantle syndicate networks and curb the “cut money” culture. It has also assured government employees and pensioners of pending Dearness Allowance payments and implementation of the 7th Pay Commission.

On employment, the party has committed to creating one crore jobs and self-employment opportunities over five years, along with financial assistance of Rs 10,000 for unemployed youth.

Women’s empowerment forms a key pillar of the manifesto, with proposals including 33 per cent reservation in state government jobs, formation of women-only police battalions, and a monthly financial aid of Rs 3,000 under the “Durga Suraksha Sahaya” scheme.

The BJP has also emphasised cultural recognition by proposing inclusion of Kurmali and Rajbanshi languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. In agriculture, it has promised enhanced support for key crops such as rice, potato and mango to boost farmers’ incomes.

In the fisheries sector, the party aims to expand coverage under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana and develop West Bengal into a fisheries export hub. Legal and governance reforms include the proposed implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and stricter laws to curb cattle smuggling.

Industrial and regional development also feature prominently, with plans to revive tea gardens, strengthen the Darjeeling tea brand and modernise the jute industry. In healthcare and education, the manifesto promises implementation of schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, expansion of premier institutions including AIIMS, IIT and IIM in North Bengal, and initiatives like free HPV vaccination and breast cancer screening.

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Additionally, the party has proposed establishing a ‘Vande Mataram’ museum to promote national heritage and enacting a law to ensure freedom of religious practices.