Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) launched its election manifesto on Wednesday, just two days ahead of the commencement of the first phase of elections. The constituencies of Coochbehar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri are slated to vote in this initial phase.
The manifesto, which comprises ten key promises, includes Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee’s reiterated commitment to resist the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in West Bengal. Describing the CAA as ‘botched up’, the manifesto pledges to abolish it and discontinue the NRC.
Key Highlights from the Manifesto
- A promise to boost income for labourers and ensure 100 days of work with a daily wage of ₹400 for job card holders.
- Commitment to provide free housing for all economically disadvantaged families.
- Distribution of 10 free gas cylinders annually to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
- Introduction of doorstep delivery of ration for all eligible ration card holders.
- Increased allowance for higher education for SC/ST communities and provision of an old-age allowance of ₹1,000 per month.
- Implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations to benefit farmers.
- Creation of a price stabilisation fund for petroleum products.
- Introduction of apprenticeship programmes for graduates and diploma holders below 25 years of age.
- Assurance to repeal the CAA, halt the NRC, and abstain from introducing the Uniform Civil Code nationwide.
- Expansion of welfare schemes like Kanyashree to benefit girls across the country.
