BJP’s vision document to counter TMC’s welfare vows| India News

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is banking on a high-octane rally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi this Saturday in Cooch Behar to give a fillip to its election campaign in West Bengal as it gears up for the release of a comprehensive “vision document” designed as a counter-narrative to the incumbent Trinamool Congress (TMC) government’s welfare promises.According to party functionaries, the upcoming vision document will outline a roadmap for infrastructure development and economic growth, highlighting big-ticket spending on infrastructure, improved law and order, and the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission for state government employees.The document incorporates inputs gathered from the public, according to a party leader familiar with the development. “Our teams went across the state, seeking inputs from the people on what their expectations and demands are…,” the leader said.“The state government has deprived the people of Bengal of benefits such as the Ayushman Bharat and PM Kisan Yojana. Over 20 lakh state government employees are denied benefits as the 7th Pay Commission has not been implemented…” the leader added.According to a person aware of the details, while the BJP’s focus has primarily been on internal security --specifically concerns over illegal immigration -- the comprehensive vision document covers key sectors ranging from agriculture and employment to women’s empowerment and the youth.On March 28, Union home minister Amit Shah released a “charge sheet” attacking the TMC regime on multiple fronts, including claims that in the absence of stringent checks and gaps in border fencing by the state government, West Bengal had become the primary corridor for illegal infiltration, thereby endangering the country. The state government was also accused of misappropriating funds from MGNREGS, mid-day meals, and housing projects.To be sure, the TMC has countered these allegations, pointing out that the state has its own schemes such as the Swasthya Sathi for meeting health care needs. It has instead blamed the Union government for withholding funds for the 100–day employment scheme or MGNREGS since 2021, which is about ₹2 lakh crore.In its manifesto, released on March 20, the TMC promised financial aid to women, stipends for unemployed youth, a ₹30,000 crore dedicated agriculture budget, housing for all, and the creation of 10 lakh jobs.The BJP also aims to counter the TMC’s “bohiragoto” (outsider) tag by pivoting its strategy to spotlight local state leaders. While leaders such as Yogi Adityanath, Rekha Gupta and Devendra Fadnavis are scheduled for public programmes, the party is ensuring that West Bengal’s own leadership remains the face of the ground-level outreach.“The Brigade Ground rally was a big event but this (Modi’s) rally is the first after the model code was enforced so technically it is the first big election rally by the PM,” the leader quoted above said.