The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has released its Lok Sabha election manifesto, promising significant social welfare initiatives and the repeal of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) if the opposition INDIA bloc comes to power. Titled ‘Didir Shopoth’ (Didi’s pledges), the manifesto includes commitments such as guaranteed employment, universal housing, free LPG cylinders, and a minimum support price for farmers.
The party also vowed to control petrol and diesel prices through a price stabilisation fund, increase income for MGNREGA workers, and provide ration delivery and free cooking cylinders to BPL families. Additional promises include scholarships for marginalised students, a monthly pension for senior citizens, and comprehensive reform of the GST system.
The TMC, led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also plans to restore the autonomy of agencies such as the CBI and RBI and establish a National Integration Council to strengthen communal harmony.
The party aims to strengthen constitutional protections against the toppling of democratically elected governments. In terms of national security, the TMC promises to do away with the Agnipath Scheme and restore traditional recruitment mechanisms in the Indian Armed Forces. The manifesto also outlines plans to limit BSF jurisdiction in West Bengal and establish an oversight committee to investigate misuse of force.
Although the TMC walked out of the INDIA bloc in January over seat-sharing disagreements, the party continues to be part of the alliance at the national level. Overall, the TMC’s manifesto presents a vision for social and economic reform, emphasising the party’s opposition to the BJP-led government’s policies.
