Ahead of the crucial 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a massive announcement regarding employment that is set to reshape the political narrative in the state. Addressing a mega public rally in Raghunathpur on Saturday, the TMC supremo guaranteed nearly 1.5 lakh jobs for the youth within the local industrial corridor.

The Chief Minister highlighted the development of the Raghunathpur Industrial Park as a major hub for steel and cement manufacturing. “I am happy to announce that the industrial projects coming up right here in Raghunathpur will generate employment for 1.5 lakh people. Our sons and daughters will no longer have to travel to other states in search of work; they will find opportunities right at their doorstep,” Banerjee declared amidst thunderous applause.

This announcement comes at a strategic time when the opposition has been frequently targeting the ruling government over the issue of unemployment. By promising a specific number of jobs in a key industrial belt like Purulia, Mamata Banerjee has signaled that ‘development and employment’ will be the primary pillars of her 2026 campaign. Experts believe this move is aimed at consolidating the youth vote bank in the Jangalmahal region.

During her speech, Banerjee also emphasized that her government is focused on both large-scale industries and MSMEs to ensure a balanced economic growth. She took a dig at the central government, alleging that while the Centre is responsible for job losses across the country, Bengal is creating a roadmap for sustainable livelihoods. The Raghunathpur industrial corridor is expected to act as a vital link between North and South India, attracting further investments in the future. The announcement has sparked a wave of optimism among the locals, marking a high-octane start to the election season.