'UCC In 6 Months, Rs 3,000 Aid For Women': Amit Shah Releases BJP's Manifesto Ahead Of Bengal Polls

New Delhi: Ahead of the two-phased West Bengal Assembly polls 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday officially launched the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 'Sankalp Patra' for the polls, positioning it as a definitive roadmap to transition the state from "despair to development".

Addressing a press conference, Shah launched a scathing critique of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging that 15 years of their governance has resulted in a complete breakdown of law and order. 

"People gave Mamata Didi a mandate with great hope, but today they are seeking change from the heart," Shah stated, asserting that the BJP's vision is strictly aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Viksit Bharat mission. 

Shah said, "This manifesto is a path to bring every section of Bengal out of despair. It will show a new way out for farmers surrounded by various kinds of fears. It will also place before the people of Bengal the roadmap for the developed India envisioned by Prime Minister Modi." He added, “The people are frightened and disillusioned. The people want change from the heart. Today we are working as the main opposition party in the Bengal Assembly.”

Key commitments

Listing key commitments, Amit Shah said the BJP has outlined 15 major promises in its manifesto, aimed at addressing governance, development, and security concerns in West Bengal.

Union Home Minister announced that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be enacted within six months if the BJP wins the state elections and he also promised a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 for women. 

He added that the party's manifesto, titled 'Sankalp Patra,' is designed to empower and provide a fresh strategic direction for farmers, youth, and women.

Significantly, the state is scheduled to hold its elections in two distinct phases, occurring on April 23 and 29.

Slew of promises

The manifesto features several major commitments, including the adoption of 7th Pay Commission benefits for state employees and monthly stipends of ₹3,000 for both women and the unemployed. 

Additionally, the saffron party vows to fully integrate Ayushman Bharat and other federal programs, while ensuring women have access to free cancer screenings, vaccinations, and professional maternity care.

Additional highlights from the BJP's pledge include the rollout of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within six months, a crackdown on cross-border cattle smuggling, and the creation of 10 million jobs across the state.

Expanding on the party’s vision, Shah added, “The patra is a way to get out of the darkness… will be a new path for jobless youth and scared women. PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat will be realised through this sankalp patra. Mamata Banerjee got a mandate to oust the Left… She got two mandates… and then through illegal immigration and a syndicate she won a third time. People are scared here and in despair, but they want hope now. We are working as the principal opposition party."

Shah targets TMC

To tackle grassroots-level corruption, Shah further detailed plans to investigate the current administration, pledging to publish white papers scrutinizing the TMC's record on corruption and public safety. To ensure accountability, the party is also committed in launching a fast-track inquiries overseen by a retired judge.

“Durga Suraksha Squad"

The BJP’s proposal includes forming the "Durga Suraksha Squad" to train women in self-defense, alongside specialized support initiatives for rice, mango, and potato farmers. 

The roadmap further focuses on infrastructure, the "blue economy," and the revitalisation of aging tea estates, including a dedicated commission for Darjeeling tea. To celebrate the state’s legacy, the party also promised to build a "Vande Mataram Museum" dedicated to Bengali culture.

Invokes Tagore's Gitanjali

During his address, Shah invoked Rabindranath Tagore’s famous lines, stating, “ When the mind is without fear and the head is held high ." He added, “We will begin development of Bengal through Bharosa (faith)."

Shah added that the BJP’s manifesto details a rigorous stance on illegal immigration, and reaffirmed a "zero tolerance" strategy. He stated that, upon taking office, the administration would follow a strict "detect, delete, and deport" protocol.

“We had put our chargesheet before the people of Bengal. 15 April to 9 Feb …from new year to Tagore Jayanti – our patra is the journey of bharosa (faith). These 24 days will fulfil the dream of Bengal. This is bharosa of sonar bangla," the BJP leader added.

Bengal now seeks change

Earlier, ahead of the release, Shah, in a post on X, said, “Bengal, weary of TMC, now seeks change. Today in Kolkata, I will release the BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' aimed at freeing Bengal from TMC's 'reign of terror'.”

As per reports, the saffron party has undertaken extensive ground-level preparations for the polls. Work on the manifesto began in early February and concluded by the end of the month. 

The outreach campaign, titled "Bikosito Paschim Banga Sankalp Patra - Paramarsha Sangraha Abhiyan," was launched on February 7 to collect public suggestions. The campaign was aimed at capturing citizens' hopes and shaping the 2026 Assembly election manifesto. Party workers visited booths and households across the state to understand people's aspirations and concerns, positioning the manifesto as a participatory exercise.