Uniform Civil Code, Rs 3K aid for women in BJP’s poll manifesto

Kolkata: The BJP unveiled its manifesto for the West Bengal Assembly elections on Friday, placing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3000 for women at the centre of its campaign.

Releasing the “Sankalp Patra”, Union Home minister Amit Shah said a BJP government would implement the UCC within six months of coming to power, promising “one law for all citizens”.

He also said a legal framework would be introduced to safeguard the freedom of religious practice.

In a direct bid to challenge the TMC’s strong support base among women, the BJP promised Rs 3000 per month to every woman in the state, along with 33 per cent reservation in government jobs and free travel in public transport. Targeting unemployed youth, the party pledged a monthly allowance of Rs 3000 and Rs 15,000 assistance for competitive exam preparation. It also assured age relaxation of up to five years for candidates affected by recruitment-related controversies, alongside a commitment to transparent hiring.For state government employees, the BJP promised dearness allowance parity with the Centre and implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission within 45 days of assuming office. The manifesto also foregrounded national security and border concerns, proposing a “detect, delete and deport” policy to curb infiltration, along with measures to secure borders and stop cattle smuggling.

On the development front, the BJP promised new institutions, including AIIMS, IIT and IIM campuses in North Bengal, deep-sea ports at Tajpur and Kulpi, and a 10-year plan to position Kolkata as a global city.

The party also outlined cultural initiatives and committees to probe political violence and crimes

against women.

Meanwhile, answering the question of who will be the chief ministerial face of Bengal if the BJP forms the government, Shah said: “We are not a dynastic party where, after the aunt, the nephew would take over. I can assure the people of Bengal that our chief minister will be a Bengali and a citizen of Bengal,” he said.

Referring to videos of Humayun Kabir released by the TMC, in which the suspended party leader purportedly claims proximity with BJP leaders to split minority votes, Shah said: “Humayun Kabir and the BJP are at two opposite poles. Rather than having an understanding with such a party, we would prefer to sit in

the Opposition”.