Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched the Trinamool Congress (TMC) manifesto for the upcoming state assembly elections. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, she criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that while he talks about “Sabka Vikas,” his policies have led to “Sabka Vinash.”
During the announcement, Banerjee unveiled key welfare and development schemes, promising expanded healthcare, educational initiatives, and administrative reforms to strengthen governance and development across West Bengal.
Key Welfare Schemes Announced
CM Banerjee introduced the ‘Duare Chikitsa’ scheme, aimed at providing doorstep medical care through camps in every booth across the state.
She also highlighted social welfare initiatives under the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme:
- Women in the general category: ₹1,500 per month
- SC/ST women: ₹1,700 per month
- Unemployed youth: ₹1,500 per month as pocket money
Additionally, Banerjee promised the modernisation of thousands of schools with e-learning facilities to enhance education quality.
Administrative and Industrial Development Plans
The TMC manifesto also outlines administrative reforms including the creation of 7-8 new districts, new blocks, and municipalities to improve governance.
Banerjee emphasised Bengal’s industrial growth, noting that the state remains a top destination for MSMEs, employing 1.5 crore people, and is home to India’s largest leather industry. She also cited the Deocha Pachami power project, which is expected to resolve power shortages for the next 100 years.
Security Concerns and Call for Unity
CM Banerjee alleged that forces from border areas were attempting to destabilise West Bengal by bringing money and arms into the state. She warned that such efforts could lead to the imposition of indirect President’s Rule, urging citizens to remain vigilant and united.
She said, “We have fulfilled all our promises of development and progress. Now, it is your duty to protect Bengal’s unity and resist any attempts to undermine it. Stand together, remain strong, and ensure that the government accountable to the people prevails.”
Upcoming Assembly Elections
The West Bengal Legislative Assembly consists of 294 seats, and the elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting slated for May 4.
Mamata Banerjee is expected to contest from Bhabanipur, facing a repeat clash with BJP leader and West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari. In the 2021 elections, TMC won 215 seats, returning to power for a third consecutive term, while BJP secured 77 seats.
With a focus on welfare, healthcare, education, and industrial development, the TMC manifesto sets the stage for the upcoming West Bengal elections. CM Mamata Banerjee’s aggressive campaign targets both governance reforms and alleged threats to the state’s unity, signalling a high-stakes political battle ahead.
