On Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee released the Trinamool Congress manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections. It has 10 major promises, including expanding welfare schemes, generating jobs, improving infrastructure, and strengthening the economic growth of the state. The announcement was made at an event in Kolkata, where Banerjee also launched a strong attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government.

While addressing the gathering, Banerjee accused the Centre of interfering in the state’s functioning. She alleged that the BJP has “imposed an undeclared President’s Rule” in West Bengal and is planning to divide the state by carving out a new region from its northern districts along with parts of Bihar. Her remarks came amid rising political tensions ahead of the elections.

The manifesto, described as a set of 10 “pratigyas” or pledges, focuses on expanding more than 100 existing welfare schemes that benefit various sections of society. These include women, youth, students, farmers, widows, senior citizens, migrant workers, and unemployed individuals. In the preface of the document, Banerjee emphasized the importance of preserving the “dignity” and “honour” of Bengalis and expressed her commitment to fulfilling people’s aspirations. “In the next five years, I pledge to turn our collective dreams into living reality, to tend to this land with the same love and devotion that Bengal has always inspired in her children,” Banerjee wrote.

A key highlight of the manifesto is the focus on women’s empowerment. The party has promised to increase financial support under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. The monthly assistance will be raised by ₹500. Women in the general category will receive ₹1,500, and those belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will get ₹1,700. This initiative is expected to strengthen the economic security of women across the state.

The manifesto also includes a proposal to support unemployed youth through the Banglar Yuba-Sathi scheme. Under this initiative, eligible individuals will receive ₹1,500 per month as financial assistance. This step is aimed at addressing unemployment concerns and providing some relief to young people seeking job opportunities.

In the agricultural sector, the TMC has announced a ₹30,000 crore budget to support farmers, including landless cultivators. The plan focuses on improving the overall condition of agriculture and ensuring better resources and infrastructure for those dependent on farming. The party has also promised to provide pucca houses to all families and ensure a piped drinking water supply to every household in the state.

Healthcare and education are also key areas in the manifesto. The party has pledged to organise annual Duare Chikitsa health camps in every block and town to provide medical services at people’s doorsteps. It has also promised to upgrade the infrastructure in all government schools. In addition, efforts will be made to expand pension coverage for senior citizens and widows. Banerjee said, “A survey is underway to bring more widows and senior citizens under the existing pension schemes. Also, as part of our Duare Sarkar (government at the doorstep) scheme, we will be having regular medical camps in every community block.”

The manifesto also sets an ambitious economic target. It aims to make West Bengal the third-largest economy in India within the next ten years. To achieve this, the party has proposed major infrastructure projects, including the development of a Global Trade Centre, expansion of river and deep-sea port networks, and creation of new logistics hubs. These initiatives are intended to position Bengal as a major trade gateway for eastern India.

Administrative reforms also form part of the plan. The TMC has proposed the creation of seven new districts and an increase in the number of Urban Local Bodies to improve governance and service delivery.

Reacting to the manifesto, BJP leaders criticised the promises made by the ruling party. West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya questioned the credibility of TMC’s claims on industrial growth. “Banerjee holds her so-called global business summit every year, but the invitees shift their projects to other states. TMC’s extortion rackets stand in the path of progress,” he said.

During her speech, Banerjee also raised concerns about the recent actions of the Election Commission of India, particularly the transfer of several IAS and IPS officers. She described it as a “conspiracy” and reiterated her allegations against the BJP.

 “It is shameful that they imposed an undeclared President’s rule. I would rather call it declared. Bengal has been their target for a long time. They don’t want Bengal and its language, culture and honour to survive. The Government of India has targeted Bengal because they are jealous,” Banerjee said. “Those who have declared an indirect President’s rule are living in a fool’s paradise. You did it in Bihar, but the strategy won’t work here.”

She further alleged that the BJP plans to reorganise the state by separating north Bengal. “We also know that they have plans to separate North Bengal from our state and add it to a part of Bihar to form a new state. Their first step will be delimitation. Next will come NRC (National Register of Citizens), and the third will be the census to cancel more citizenships,” she alleged.

However, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rahul Sinha dismissed these claims. “It is Banerjee who wants to turn Bengal into Bangladesh. She is making baseless allegations because she knows her defeat is imminent,” Sinha said.