Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the BJP’s election manifesto, ‘Sankalp Patra’, in Kolkata today, laying out a high-decibel roadmap for West Bengal. Eyeing the crucial women’s vote bank, Shah announced 100% free public transport for women and significant reservation in government jobs if the BJP comes to power. Additionally, the party has promised a financial grant of ₹21,000 for pregnant women.

Invoking the recent RG Kar and Sandeshkhali incidents, Shah assured a complete overhaul of women’s safety. “No Chief Minister will ever have to tell women not to step out at night again,” he asserted, promising a probe into Sandeshkhali atrocities under the supervision of a retired judge. The manifesto also focuses on infrastructure, with plans for Deep Sea Ports in Tajpur and Kulpi, and bringing AIIMS, IIT, and IIM to North Bengal. After the launch in New Town, Shah is scheduled to lead massive rallies in Debra and Kharagpur, followed by organizational meetings in Purulia and Bankura.