West Bengal elections 2026: Modi promises women’s quota, police reforms, UCC push

Kolkata: Raising the pitch on women's reservation and a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday outlined the BJP's roadmap for women-centric governance in West Bengal, promising 33% reservation in government jobs, higher intake of women in the police force, and stronger safety measures.

"All crime files on women will be reopened. Chun-chun kar hisaab liya jayega," Modi said, announcing a commission led by a retired High Court woman judge to hear cases of rape and atrocities against women. He added that every block would have a women's police station.

Highlighting gaps, Modi said women constitute less than 10% of West Bengal's police force, compared to about 24% in Bihar, and promised to scale up recruitment. "Women's welfare is our priority. We will ensure safety, security and expand opportunities," he said at rallies in Purbasthali Dakshin (East Burdwan), Jangipur (Murshidabad) and North Dinajpur.


Also Read: BJP Bengal manifesto: Amit Shah vows to implement Uniform Civil Code within 6 months

Modi reiterated the BJP's commitment to implementing the UCC and ending what he termed "appeasement politics" in the state. He also promised a probe into post-poll violence by a commission led by a retired Supreme Court judge, if the BJP comes to power.

Referring to the RG Kar hospital case, Modi said the incident had united people across divides on women's safety. He linked higher voter turnout-especially among women-to NDA victories, citing recent elections in Bihar, Haryana and Maharashtra.

Targeting the Trinamool Congress, Modi accused it of disrespecting women, the Constitution and tribal communities. He also reached out to Matua and Namasudra communities, reiterating that citizenship would be ensured under the CAA.

Asserting that Bengal is ready for "parivartan", Modi said the BJP would bring out a white paper on alleged corruption and riots under TMC rule and initiate legal action. "We will end TMC's 'corruption shops' and replace fear with trust-bhoy out, bhorsha in," he said.

'Son of the soil' to be CM: Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the BJP will appoint a "son of the soil" as Chief Minister if voted to power in West Bengal, and reiterated the party's commitment to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state.

Also Read: BJP West Bengal Assembly Election Manifesto 2026: Cash dole, jail for corrupt, & UCC dictate Amit Shah’s ‘sankalp patra’

Addressing campaign rallies in Onda and Chhatna in Bankura district ahead of the April 19 and 23 Assembly polls, Shah said the CM would be "a Bengali-speaking leader from West Bengal".

Striking a tribal pitch, Shah accused the Trinamool Congress of insulting President Droupadi Murmu during her recent visit and urged voters in Bankura to respond through the ballot.