The West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is concentrating on specific local issues to finalize its election manifesto for the upcoming Assembly polls. A state committee member of the BJP mentioned that while there are common macro issues, the party is keen on addressing minute pocket-specific concerns in the state. The BJP is also planning a separate mini-manifesto for eight districts in North Bengal.
The party aims to release a detailed manifesto covering state-wide issues alongside the mini-manifesto focusing on North Bengal. Shankar Ghosh, the Chief Whip of BJP’s legislative party in the Assembly, highlighted the importance of a North Bengal-specific manifesto to cater to the region’s requirements and aspirations. The party is gathering public opinions through a ‘Sankalp Patra Paramarsha Yatra’ program to shape the manifesto.
Political observers suggest that the move towards a North Bengal-specific manifesto is influenced by the BJP’s electoral performance in the region. In the 2021 Assembly elections, BJP secured a significant number of seats in North Bengal, contrasting with South Bengal where Trinamool Congress dominated. Maintaining this stronghold in North Bengal is crucial for the BJP, leading to the proposal for a separate manifesto tailored to the region’s needs.
