West Bengal Election 2026: TMC Releases Manifesto Focusing on Welfare and Youth

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee has officially released the party's manifesto for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections. Titled 'Didi's 10 Pledges' (Didi-r 10 Protigya), the document outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the state's development, focusing heavily on social welfare, youth empowerment, and rural infrastructure. During the launch event in Kolkata, Banerjee emphasized that the existing welfare schemes have been the backbone of the state's progress and will be Importantly expanded. The manifesto aims to consolidate the party's support base among women and rural voters while addressing the concerns of the unemployed youth through direct financial interventions.

Expansion of Lakshmir Bhandar and Women Welfare

The TMC manifesto proposes a substantial hike in the financial assistance provided under the 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme, which is currently a flagship program for women in the state. For women in the general category, the monthly allowance is set to increase by ₹500, bringing the total to ₹1500 per month (₹18000 annually). For women belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), the assistance will be raised to ₹1700 per month (₹20400 annually). Mamata Banerjee stated that this increase is aimed at further strengthening the financial independence of women across the state. The party highlighted that this scheme has already reached millions of households and remains a central pillar of their governance model.

Youth Support and Industrial Growth Initiatives

To address the needs of the younger population, the TMC has introduced the 'Banglar Yuba Sathi' scheme. Under this initiative, youths without a steady source of income will receive a monthly financial assistance of ₹1500 (₹18000 per year). Banerjee clarified that this support is intended to assist them until they secure permanent employment. 5 crore people employed in this segment. She also highlighted the success of the leather industry, which employs 7 lakh people, and reiterated the government's commitment to developing leather and power hubs to generate more local employment opportunities.

Agriculture Budget and Doorstep Healthcare Services

The manifesto includes a significant commitment to the agricultural sector with the promise of a dedicated ₹30,000 crore agriculture budget. This fund is intended to provide continuous support to farming families and financial aid to landless laborers. On top of that, the party has pledged to continue and expand crop insurance, specifically mentioning potato farmers. In the healthcare sector, the 'Dware Treatment' (Treatment at Doorstep) initiative will be intensified. The plan involves organizing medical camps in every block and urban area to bring effective healthcare services directly to the citizens. The manifesto also guarantees 'Pakka' (permanent) houses for every family and piped drinking water for every household in the state.

Infrastructure, Administration, and Trade Logistics

TMC's vision for 2026 includes major administrative and infrastructural reforms. The party plans to create new districts and increase the number of municipalities through geographical reorganization to improve administrative efficiency. In education, the 'Banglar Shikshapatan' initiative will focus on the complete infrastructure development of all government schools. Plus, the manifesto positions West Bengal as the gateway to trade for Eastern India. This involves developing world-class logistics, ports, and trading infrastructure to boost the state's economy. For the elderly, the party has promised to ensure the continuity of old-age pensions and expand the coverage to include all eligible senior citizens.

Political Allegations and Stance Against the Center

While presenting the manifesto, Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Central Government. She accused the Center of conspiring to divide West Bengal and interfering in the state's administrative affairs through central agencies. Banerjee alleged that the state is facing a situation akin to 'undeclared President's rule' and claimed that the Election Commission is being influenced by the ruling party at the Center. She urged the people of Bengal to remain united against what she termed as 'divisive politics' and expressed concerns over attempts to incite unrest in border areas. The Chief Minister concluded by stating that the people would reject the current central administration in the upcoming electoral battle.