Where the mind is without fear: A Tagore tribute in BJP's 15-point Bengal manifesto

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday unveiled the BJP's election manifesto for West Bengal, promising a monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 for women and implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within six months if the party is voted to power.

Invoking Bengal's cultural legacy, Shah said the BJP's manifesto is inspired by "Chitto Jekhane Bhoy Shunyo" -- the Bengali rendition of Rabindranath Tagore's celebrated poem "Where the Mind is Without Fear".

Launching the "Sankalp Patra" at an event in Kolkata, Shah said the document reflects commitment to "every section" of Bengal's society and aims to restore public confidence. He described the past 15 years under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a "period of darkness", claiming people now feel fearful and are seeking change.

"This manifesto is a path to bring every section of Bengal out of despair. It will show a new way out for farmers surrounded by various kinds of fears. This manifesto will also place before the people of Bengal the roadmap for the developed India envisioned by Prime Minister Modi. The people are frightened and disillusioned. The people want change from the heart. Today we are working as the main opposition party in the Bengal Assembly," the Home Minister said.

The BJP's manifesto outlined a strict policy against illegal infiltration and cow smuggling, with Shah reiterating a "zero tolerance" approach.

"Several BJP-ruled states have implemented the Uniform Civil Code. Within six months, we will implement the UCC in Bengal and ensure that a single, uniform set of laws applies to all citizens across the state. We will not only seal Bengal's borders against infiltrators but also ensure that not a single cow is smuggled out of India through Bengal," he said.

The BJP leader also announced that Dearness Allowance (DA) will be ensured for all government employees and pensioners if the party wins the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal. Among key other promises, the party pledged to roll out the 7th Pay Commission within 45 days of forming the government.

"Dearness Allowance (DA) will be ensured for all government employees and pensioners, and the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission will be implemented within just 45 days. The BJP government will transfer Rs 3,000 into the bank account of every mother between the 1st and the 5th of every month. We will implement all BJP schemes, including Ayushman Bharat," he said.

BJP'S 15 KEY PROMISES

Positioning the manifesto as a "pledge of trust", Shah said the BJP aims to revive Bengal’s cultural identity and create a state "where people live without fear and with pride".

The party has set an ambitious timeline, linking its vision to the period between Poila Baisakh (April 15) and Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary (May 9), which Shah said symbolises a renewed push to reclaim Bengal’s lost glory.

The senior BJP leader also assured setting up a commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate all instances of political violence in the state, which is set to go to polls in two phases on April 23 and 29.

"We will constitute a commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate all instances of political violence—regardless of which party was targeted — and ensure that every case is brought to its logical conclusion... Three White Papers will be introduced to address corruption, political violence, and the restoration of law and order," he said.