Mamata Banerjee Launches Trinamool Congress Election Manifesto with Sharp Criticism of BJP
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee officially unveiled her party's election manifesto on Friday, ahead of the upcoming state assembly polls. During the launch event, Banerjee expressed gratitude to the people of West Bengal for their unwavering support while launching a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Allegations of BJP Conspiracy and Unfair Tactics
Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to gain control of West Bengal through what she described as "unfair means" and "conspiracies that have crossed all limits." She stated, "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."
Continuing her criticism, Banerjee targeted the BJP-led central government, alleging it is creating unrest and weakening institutions across India. She claimed, "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."
She further criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for unfulfilled promises and accused the government of handing over public sector institutions like LIC, Railways, and Air India to foreign entities and individuals, including some who have defaulted on bank loans or fled the country.
Concerns Over NRC, Delimitation, and 'Undeclared President’s Rule'
Banerjee raised concerns about issues such as the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and delimitation, suggesting these could significantly influence the political landscape post-elections. She said, "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."
In a bold allegation, Banerjee claimed that West Bengal is functioning under an "undeclared President’s Rule," imposed because the BJP anticipates defeat in the assembly polls. She questioned, "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?" She also criticized central observers for lacking local knowledge, stating they cannot perform their duties effectively.
Call for Unity and Resistance Against Divisive Politics
Banerjee appealed to the people of West Bengal to unite against the BJP, urging resistance to intimidation and divisive tactics. She said, "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."
'10 Protigya' Roadmap: Key Pledges for Governance
Highlighting the party's broader vision, Banerjee presented her "10 Protigya" (pledges) for Bengal, outlining a comprehensive governance roadmap for the next five years. She stated, "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."
The key promises include:
- Enhanced financial aid for women: Under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, assistance will increase 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.
Banerjee emphasized, "These 10 ‘Protigya’ will form the foundation of my governance and serve as the roadmap for the next five years."
Election Schedule and Details
The West Bengal Assembly elections will be conducted in two phases for all 294 constituencies. Voting is scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with the counting of votes set to take place on May 4.
