Congress Unveils Election Manifesto, Criticizes Modi and Mamata Ahead of West Bengal Polls
Congress Targets Modi and Mamata in Election Manifesto
As the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approach, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while unveiling the party's manifesto. This time, Congress is positioning itself as a robust alternative to both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP, focusing on a model centered around "welfare, employment, and reform."
Allegations Against Modi's Politics
During the manifesto release on Tuesday, Kharge accused Modi of thriving on "politics of hatred and division among communities," claiming that he aims to gain power in Bengal through religious polarization. He presented voters with three choices: the corruption-ridden administration of the TMC, the BJP's divisive politics, or Congress's welfare-oriented model.
Critique of TMC's Governance
Kharge stated, "Modi promotes hatred and division among communities. He seeks to seize power through polarization. Voters must choose between short-term politics and long-term progress." He criticized the TMC government for failing to bring developmental changes in West Bengal despite being in power for 15 years, asserting that neither the state nor the BJP-led central government has proposed any plans to improve the situation.
BJP's Focus on Division
The Congress leader remarked that the BJP never discusses Bengal's economy, instead focusing solely on polarization, which is central to its political strategy. He accused the BJP of lacking clarity on job creation, industrial revival, or any plans for the youth, stating that their approach is based on isolation, hatred, and fear.
Promises for Women and Farmers
Kharge pledged a monthly grant of ₹2,000 for women and an annual grant of ₹15,000 for farmers. He also promised health insurance of ₹10 lakh for each family, job opportunities for youth, and the establishment of AI training centers in all districts.
Addressing Economic Challenges
He noted, "Kolkata was once known for investment and job opportunities, but it has now become a city where youth are migrating to Maharashtra, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad. This reflects the deteriorating economic situation here. Our Bengal manifesto directly addresses this challenge and offers solutions. We will launch the Bengal Employment Guarantee Mission, which will fund startups and promote skill development with a focus on AI education."
Focus on Empowerment and Law Enforcement
The Congress President emphasized that the party's guarantees focus on women's empowerment, farmer welfare, healthcare, and ensuring law and order free from political interference. Kharge stated, "We have fulfilled our guarantees in Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh. Bengal must not only maintain its existence but also leave its mark across the country."
A New Energy for Congress
When asked about the party's decision to contest all 294 seats alone after two decades, Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh referenced the 1962 film 'Baishey Shrabon,' stating, "Like the film, we are contesting elections alone in Bengal in 2026 after 2006. This brings new energy to our party, our workers, and the people of the state."
Accusations Against BJP's Cultural Nationalism
Ramesh also recalled a recent parliamentary debate on 'Vande Mataram,' accusing the BJP of attempting to insult Rabindranath Tagore and erase the national anthem. He asserted, "The BJP's intention was to target Tagore by placing a gun on Bankim Babu's shoulders. The truth is that Tagore helped decide the adoption of the national anthem during the 1937 Congress session in Kolkata, attended by Gandhi, Nehru, Bose, and other top leaders. This is a new form of the BJP's cultural nationalism."