Cash, culture and security: BJP unveils West Bengal manifesto

Kolkata: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday unveiled the BJP's West Bengal manifesto, pitching a calibrated mix of cash-driven welfare measures, cultural identity assertion and a tough security stance. "Bengal now wants change," Shah said, framing the election as a choice between fear and trust, as the party blended promises of expansive welfare programmes, cultural assertion and a hardline law-and-order approach to challenge the ruling Trinamool Congress.

An analysis of the manifesto reflects a calibrated strategy - generous direct benefit promises are aimed at eroding Banerjee's welfare base among women, youth and farmers, while a tough stance on infiltration and border control seeks to consolidate support in sensitive districts, especially across north Bengal. Cultural signalling runs alongside, positioning identity and heritage as political anchors.

The manifesto's pitch is straightforward-promise of money in the household, cultural assertion in public life, and a crackdown at the borders-presenting the election as a choice between instability and stable governance. "Our government will adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards infiltration," Shah said.


He said that if brought to power, BJP would ensure 100% border fencing within 45 days and that cattle smuggling through the border "stops completely". Announcing ₹3,000 per month for women, Shah said, "Women's empowerment will be at the core of governance." The party also promised 33% reservation for women in government jobs, free public transport and ₹21,000 assistance for pregnant women. For the youth, Shah announced a monthly unemployment allowance of ₹3,000 and a one-time support of ₹15,000 for preparation for competitive exams, along with age relaxation for those affected by recruitment irregularities.

In the manifesto, government employees and farmers form another key bloc. "The Seventh Pay Commission will be implemented within 45 days," Shah said, promising DA.

To farmers, he promised to purchase paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal, besides an increase in the PM-Kisan assistance to ₹9,000 annually with state support.

Seeking to broaden the development plank, Shah said premier institutes such as AIIMS, IIT and IIM and a fashion institute would be set up in north Bengal, alongside deep-sea ports, industrial townships and a coastal economic zone. Shah also said a Uniform Civil Code would be implemented within six months, and that "freedom to practise religion will be guaranteed".