Chief Minister of Bengal and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo, Mamata Banerjee, released the party’s manifesto ahead of the assembly elections on Friday evening, pledging 10 new developments to expand the existing welfare schemes, strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the state.
“I respectfully present before you my 10 ‘pratigyas’ (pledges) as the path for our government’s journey over the next five years,” she said while announcing the forward plan adding that these would guide the state towards better future “when they return to power for fourth consecutive term”.
‘Unofficial President’s Rule’
CM Banerjee landed heavily on the Opposition, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), reiterating her accusations against them. Addressing the media, the TMC chief alleged that BJP has amplified its “politics of division” in the state. She alleged that the party in command in center is trying to create a war-like atmosphere in Bengal. “Under the BJP government the country is pushed to the brink of destruction. They are trying to carry out deep conspiracy. Many states are facing lawlessness and in turn people are devoid of peace. They are practicing divisive politics and creating a war-like situation,” CM Banerjee said.
On Friday, CM yet again expressed her dissatisfaction with the Election Commission’s unilateral decision to reshuffle posting of senior IAS and IPS officers in the state. Amplifying her attack on the apex polling body CM restated that the ECI is working “on the directions of BJP.” She further accused BJP of trying to “smuggle cash and contraband” in the state to tilt poll results in their favour. CM Banerjee alleged, “Do you want to know why they are rampantly ordering change of IAS and IPS officers, which is because they want to smuggle money across the state borders. They want to bring firearms in the state and possibly drugs.”
She further accused the Centre of planning to strip people of their citizenship under the guise of the NRC and Census after the polls. Mamata Banerjee claimed that an “unofficial President’s Rule” has effectively been imposed in the state, alleging that the BJP has taken this step out of fear of losing the upcoming Assembly elections.
Bengal is set to go to polling in two phases on April 23 and 27, 2026.
The results are to be announced on May 7, 2026. The tenure of the ruling government comes to an end of May 5, 2026. TMC has announced candidacy from all 294 seats, with CM Mamata Banerjee contesting from her homeground Bhawanipore. She will be contesting against state’s opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari, who is nominated to contest from his home constituency, Nandigram. Meanwhile, BJP has announced names of 255 candidates.
