Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to unveil the Bharatiya Janata Party’s West Bengal election manifesto, titled the “Sankalp Patra,” in Kolkata on Friday, as the party intensifies its campaign against the ruling Trinamool Congress ahead of the state assembly polls. Shah said that West Bengal is looking for a change from TMC rule and also announced a series of public outreach events, including a meeting in Debra and a roadshow in Kharagpur. In a post on X, he stated that the state, “weary of TMC,” is now seeking change, adding that the manifesto would focus on freeing Bengal from what he described as a “reign of terror.”

Following the release, he is expected to engage with the public through a rally in Debra, West Medinipur, and a roadshow in Kharagpur. Polling for the 294-seat West Bengal Assembly is scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting set for May 4. According to party sources, the manifesto includes major promises such as a monthly assistance of ₹3,000 for eligible women, special packages for healthcare and education, initiatives to promote industrial growth through dedicated zones, expansion of higher education institutions with an emphasis on women’s education, and support for fisheries and agro-processing sectors. It also outlines plans to increase hospital infrastructure and expand job opportunities for youth. The BJP aims to combine criticism of the current state government with development-focused commitments, presenting a broad welfare and growth agenda ahead of the elections.

Party insiders say the manifesto was developed through an extensive grassroots consultation process that began in early February, under the campaign “Bikosito Paschim Banga Sankalp Patra – Paramarsha Sangraha Abhiyan.” Party workers reportedly visited households and polling booths across the state to gather feedback from citizens. The initiative aimed to capture public aspirations and shape the party’s electoral vision, treating the manifesto as a “social contract” rather than just a political document. Citizens were encouraged to submit suggestions via phone, email, QR codes, and “aspiration boxes” placed across districts. The campaign also involved consultations with professionals, farmers, fishermen, and members of the Bengali diaspora.

According to BJP leader Anirban Ganguly, over 8 lakh suggestions were received, reflecting strong public engagement. West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya has also written to citizens, emphasizing that the manifesto should reflect the hopes and needs of ordinary people across sectors such as education, healthcare, employment, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and governance, and inviting contributions from all sections of society regardless of political affiliation.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.