Trinamool calls BJP manifesto a “copycat”, slams ₹3,000 allowance promise ahead of Bengal polls

The political battle ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections intensified after the Trinamool Congress accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of releasing a “copycat” manifesto. The criticism follows BJP’s promise of a ₹3,000 monthly allowance for women, which the ruling party claims mirrors existing state schemes.

Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh took a sharp dig at the BJP, alleging that the party has replicated welfare initiatives introduced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Referring to schemes like Lakshmi Bhandar and Yuva Sathi, he said the BJP had previously criticised such policies but is now incorporating similar promises in its own manifesto. Ghosh further questioned the credibility of the BJP’s commitments, claiming that similar promises made in other states have not been fulfilled. He also targeted the party over its pledge of financial assistance for unemployed youth, accusing it of “copying development models” without successfully implementing them elsewhere.

The BJP, however, has projected its manifesto as a comprehensive roadmap for governance and development in Bengal, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressing confidence about forming the next government. As the campaign intensifies, the exchange of allegations highlights the growing political contest in what is being seen as a crucial election for both parties.