TMC releases manifesto for Lok Sabha elections; makes 10 promises
What's the story
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has released its election manifesto just two days ahead of the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The party's manifesto includes 10 promises, including repealing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and stopping the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The promises will be fulfilled if the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc wins the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the party announced.
Laborer benefits
TMC manifesto promises enhanced income for laborers
Other promises made by the party include a guarantee of 100 days of work for job card holders with a daily wage of ₹400. The manifesto also includes a pledge to provide free housing for all impoverished families. Additionally, it commits to the free delivery of 10 gas cylinders per year to families below the poverty line (BPL).
Welfare commitments
TMC pledges welfare schemes and allowances
The manifesto further commits to doorstep-free ration delivery for all ration card holders. It also promises an increased allowance for higher education of Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe communities, along with an old age allowance of ₹1,000. Other commitments include implementing Swaminathan Commission recommendations and establishing a price stabilization fund for petro products. The party also plans to provide apprenticeships for graduate and diploma holders below 25 years of age.
Twitter Post
Check out the manifesto launch here
#WATCH | West Bengal: TMC releases its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/GqslvtrJyf
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2024
Campaign trail
TMC chief absent at manifesto release, campaigns in Assam
The manifesto was unveiled by Trinamool MP Derek O'Brien, West Bengal Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, and Amit Mitra, the Special Advisor to the Chief Minister. However, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee was not present at the event as she was campaigning in Assam for four TMC candidates. During an election rally in Assam, Banerjee claimed that the BJP has turned the country into a "detention camp" and vowed to scrap CAA and NRC if INDIA forms the government at the Centre.
West Bengal election
West Bengal election schedule
The Lok Sabha election in West Bengal will be held in seven phases, beginning April 19, followed by April 26, May 7, 13, 20, 25, and June 1. The votes will be counted on June 4. In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the TMC secured 24 seats in the state, while the BJP managed to win only two. However, in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the saffron party made major gains, winning 18 seats against the TMC's 22.