NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on Friday released the party’s election manifesto ahead of the upcoming state assembly polls.Speaking at the launch, Banerjee thanked the people of the state for their continued support and alleged that the BJP was attempting to gain control of West Bengal through unfair means. “The people of West Bengal have given us immense blessings, good wishes, prayers, and support. We have also done our best to serve them. In every election, we have witnessed various conspiracies since the time the BJP came to power, but this time the conspiracy has crossed all limits. It seems they want to capture Bengal by any means and take control of the state,” she said.Continuing her criticism, Banerjee accused the BJP-led central government of creating unrest and weakening institutions across the country.“The BJP government is carrying out a deep conspiracy. The country has been pushed close to destruction. There is no proper law and order in many states, and people do not feel at peace. The politics of division is being practised, creating a war-like situation. Even during his tenure, PM Modi has not fulfilled the promises he made to the people. Moreover, public sector institutions, from LIC and Railways to Air India, are being handed over to foreign entities and a few known individuals, including those who have defaulted on bank loans and, in many cases, fled the country,” she said.She also raised concerns over issues such as NRC and delimitation, suggesting that these factors could influence the political landscape after the elections.“We see a lot of conspiracies during elections, but this time they’ve crossed all limits. After this election, there will be delimitation, but the Modi government won’t come back to power because people don’t like the BJP government. The reasons are NRC and delimitation,” Banerjee said.Banerjee further alleged that the state is functioning under ‘undeclared President’s Rule’.“An unofficial President’s rule has been imposed in Bengal because the BJP knows it will be defeated in the upcoming Assembly polls. Is PM Modi so afraid of the people of Bengal?” TMC chief asks. Criticising the role of central observers, she said, “Those posted here as observers don’t know the area or the state; they don’t know anything about the state. How can they perform their duties? President’s rule has been replaced by undeclared President’s rule. Modiji, you’re fighting here under undeclared President’s rule because they’re jealous of Bengal. They’ve derailed the entire system”.Calling for unity among voters, she urged people to resist intimidation and divisive politics“I appeal to the people of Bengal to unite and fight against the BJP to save Bengal. If central agencies are trying to intimidate you, don’t be. If they’re trying to give you money, don’t take it. They bring money and weapons, mafia from the border areas, trying to create unrest and riots here. I’m not playing divisive politics. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians are all the same,” Banerjee added.
10 Protigya ’ roadmap: Welfare, jobs, housing and infrastructure focus
Highlighting the party’s broader vision, Banerjee presented her “10 Protigya” (pledges) for Bengal, outlining a roadmap for governance over the next five years.“I humbly present my 10 ‘Protigya’ for Bengal, so that the wheels of development continue to move forward in the fourth term of my government,” she said in a post on X.The key promises include:
- Enhanced financial aid for women: Under Lakshmir Bhandar, assistance will be increased by Rs 500, with Rs 1,500 per month for general category beneficiaries and Rs 1,700 for SC/ST beneficiaries.
- Support for unemployed youth: The Banglar Yuba-Sathi scheme will continue, offering Rs 1,500 per month as financial assistance.
- Agriculture push: A Rs 30,000 crore agri-budget has been proposed to support farm families, landless farmers and overall sector growth.
- Housing: The government has promised pucca houses for all families.
- Piped drinking water: The government proposed piped drinking water for every household.
- Healthcare access: Annual “Duare Chikitsa” camps will be organised in every block and town to ensure doorstep healthcare delivery.
- Education upgrade: Government schools will be modernised under the Banglar Shikshayatan programme.
- Trade and infrastructure: Plans to develop Bengal as a major trade gateway for eastern India with improved logistics, ports and a global trade centre.
- Social security: Continued and expanded old-age pension support for eligible beneficiaries.
- Administrative expansion: Creation of seven new districts and expansion of urban local bodies.
“These 10 ‘Protigya’ will form the foundation of my governance and serve as the roadmap for the next five years,” Banerjee said.The West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases for all 294 constituencies, with voting scheduled for April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.
