In a bold pre-election move, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee released her party’s manifesto Friday, outlining ambitious plans for West Bengal’s future. BJP’s Shankar Ghosh, however, branded it a desperate bid doomed to fail, forecasting Mamata’s ouster by May 4.
From Siliguri, Ghosh told media outlets the document offers zero electoral advantage. ‘TMC has no relevance left; they’re out this year,’ he declared. He accused Mamata’s decade-and-a-half tenure of driving residents away through poor administration.
Dismissing health vows as ‘jumlas’—empty slogans—Ghosh quipped, ‘It’s not about healing; it’s about ruin. Their regime is the one needing life support.’ He argued Bengal’s people see through such tactics.
Mamata’s manifesto spotlights 10 ‘pratigya’ or guarantees, shared via X: ‘These will propel development in my government’s fourth term.’
Financial empowerment leads with enhanced Lakshmir Bhandar aid: Rs 1,500 monthly for general women (annual Rs 18,000), Rs 1,700 for SC/ST (Rs 20,400), a Rs 500 hike. Pucca homes for all families and piped water everywhere form core commitments.
Healthcare expands via widespread ‘Duare Chikitsa’ door-to-door camps. Schools transform under ‘Banglar Shikshayatan’ with full infrastructural revamps.
Ghosh’s critique paints a stark picture: unkept promises erode trust. With elections looming, this clash reveals BJP’s strategy to exploit voter fatigue against TMC’s welfare-focused pitch, setting the stage for a fierce battle.