Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday unveiled the BJP’s manifesto, titled ‘Sankalp Patra’, for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, promising wide-ranging reforms across agriculture, employment, women empowerment and governance, along with a commitment to implement the 7th Pay Commission and Uniform Civil Code within six months of coming to power. The party has called its manifesto Bhoroshar Shopoth.
Agriculture and Allied Sectors in Focus
The BJP manifesto places significant emphasis on agriculture and allied activities, aiming to strengthen rural incomes and agri-based industries. The party has promised targeted support for key crops such as rice, potato and mango, which are crucial to West Bengal’s agrarian economy.
In the fisheries sector, the BJP has pledged to register all fishermen under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and transform the state into a major fish-exporting hub. The move is aimed at boosting income opportunities and enhancing the blue economy.
The party has also committed to rejuvenating old tea gardens, strengthening the global branding of Darjeeling tea, and modernising the jute industry, three sectors that are vital for employment and exports in the state.
Additionally, under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, the BJP has promised an additional Rs 3,000 annual support from the state, over and above the Centre’s Rs 6,000 assistance to farmers.
Women Empowerment and Safety
Women-centric schemes form a core pillar of the BJP’s manifesto. The party has promised Rs 3,000 monthly financial assistance to women, directly transferred to their bank accounts.
To enhance safety and representation, BJP has announced the creation of women-only police battalions and ‘Durga Surokha Squads’. It has also pledged 33% reservation for women in all state government jobs, including in the police force. These measures, according to the party, aim to improve both economic independence and security for women across the state.
Employment and Youth Initiatives
Addressing unemployment, the BJP has promised to create one crore jobs and self-employment opportunities over the next five years. In addition, unemployed youth will receive Rs 3,000 monthly financial assistance.
The manifesto also includes provisions such as Rs 15,000 support for candidates preparing for competitive exams and a five-year age relaxation for those who allegedly lost job opportunities due to corruption.
The party has also pledged to ensure dearness allowance (DA) for all government employees and pensioners, along with the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission within 45 days of forming the government.
Social and Governance Reforms
On governance and social issues, the BJP has taken a strong stance on national security and law enforcement. The manifesto promises a zero-tolerance policy against infiltration and strict action to curb cattle smuggling. The party has also committed to implementing the Uniform Civil Code within six months and enacting laws to ensure freedom of religious practices.
A ‘White Paper’ will be released to highlight what the BJP describes as 15 years of corruption and law-and-order breakdown under the current regime. The party has also promised to end syndicate activities and the alleged “cut money” culture in the state.
Health, Education and Infrastructure
In the health sector, the BJP has pledged to implement Ayushman Bharat in West Bengal and integrate it with existing state schemes. It has also promised free HPV vaccination and breast cancer screening programmes. The party has announced plans to establish premier institutions such as AIIMS, IIT and IIM in North Bengal, aiming to improve access to quality healthcare and education.
Other Key Promises
Among other commitments, the BJP has proposed the establishment of a ‘Vande Mataram’ museum to promote cultural heritage. It has also promised to include Kurmali and Rajbongshi languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Additionally, the party plans to develop new townships and promote cultural circuits, including those linked to spiritual and historical figures.
During the launch, Amit Shah said the manifesto reflects the aspirations of farmers, youth and women, and provides a roadmap for a “Viksit” and “Sonar” West Bengal. He alleged that people in the state are “fearful and disillusioned” and seeking change after years of governance under Mamata Banerjee. The West Bengal Assembly elections will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.