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Congress Unveils Bengal Poll Manifesto with Cash Aid for Women, Farmers

The Congress party has launched its manifesto for the West Bengal assembly elections, pledging significant financial support for women and farmers. Key promises include a monthly stipend of ₹2000 for women and an annual assistance of ₹15,000 for farmers. The manifesto also guarantees free education up to the post-graduate level and a state-funded health insurance scheme. This comes after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently unveiled her Trinamool Congress's "10 Protigya" manifesto for the 2026 polls.

Key Points: Congress Bengal Manifesto: ₹2000 for Women, ₹15k for Farmers

  • ₹2000 monthly aid for women
  • ₹15,000 annual aid for farmers
  • Free education up to PG
  • State health insurance up to ₹10 lakh
2 min read

Congress launches manifesto for West Bengal elections; promises financial aid for women, farmers

Congress promises monthly aid for women, annual support for farmers, free education, and health insurance in West Bengal election manifesto.

"We will give women Rs 2000 every month... Farmers will be given an annual assistance of Rs 15,000 rupees. - Mallikarjun Kharge"

Kolkata, April 7

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, along with other leaders, launched the election manifesto for the upcoming West Bengal assembly polls.

Addressing a press conference here, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge reflected on the key promises of the party, including free education up to post-graduation, monthly financial aid for women and farmers, fast-track courts and state-sponsored health insurance.

"We will give women Rs 2000 every month. We will provide free education up to post-graduate level to empower them. We will establish fast-track courts for their safety. In healthcare, we will provide fully state-funded health insurance up to Rs 10 lakh so that every citizen can get affordable and better health care. Farmer Welfare: Farmers will be given an annual assistance of Rs 15,000 rupees. In addition, free electricity and a better procurement system will be ensured to increase both their income and security," Kharge stated.

Earlier in March, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday unveiled the Trinamool Congress manifesto for the 2026 Assembly elections, titled "10 Protigya" (10 pledges).

Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Banerjee announced the launch of the 'Duare Chikitsa' scheme, which will provide doorstep medical care with camps in every booth.

She also outlined social welfare measures under the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme, emphasising the government's plans to create 7-8 new districts and blocks, along with new municipalities, to improve governance.

Polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

In the last assembly election in the state, held in eight phases in 2021, the TMC recorded a landslide victory with 213 seats amid an intense contest with the BJP, which jumped to 77 seats. Congress and Left Front drew a blank in the last state polls.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Free education up to PG and health insurance up to 10 lakhs is a game-changer for middle-class families like mine. The cost of education and medical emergencies is crushing. If they can actually deliver, it will be a huge relief. 🤞
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Aman W
Respectfully, this feels like too little, too late. Congress drew a blank last time. Now they are competing with both TMC's established schemes (like Lakshmi Bhandar) and BJP's machinery. Voters need a credible alternative, not just another set of promises.
S
Shreya B
As a woman, the monthly aid and fast-track courts for safety are very appealing. Bengal has had issues with women's security. If they prioritize this, it could win them support. But will it remain a promise? We've been disappointed before.
K
Karthik V
The focus on farmers is good. Free electricity and better procurement can change lives in rural Bengal. But the key is implementation. TMC also makes big promises. The party that actually delivers on the ground will get the votes. Let's see.
D
David E
Interesting to see the policy competition. Congress is trying to outflank TMC on welfare. But with zero seats last time, they have a massive credibility gap. They need strong local leaders, not just a manifesto launched from Delhi.

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