In a bid to woo voters ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ (Manifesto) on Friday, focusing heavily on the development of North Bengal. The manifesto promises the establishment of premier institutions like AIIMS, IIT, and IIM across various districts in the region. To boost healthcare and athletics, a dedicated Cancer Hospital and a Sports University are also on the cards.

Addressing the tea tourism belt, Shah pledged to rejuvenate old tea gardens and form a dedicated board for the ‘Darjeeling Brand’ tea. “Special schools and health centers will be built for the children of tea garden workers,” he stated. Highlighting cultural preservation, Shah promised to transform Darjeeling into an ‘Eco-Heritage’ hub and clear illegal encroachments from lands belonging to ISKCON and Bharat Sevashram Sangha. Drawing attention to the Sandeshkhali and RG Kar incidents, the Home Minister emphasized women’s safety and announced the construction of a ‘Vande Mataram Museum’ in the state.