As election season approaches in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised six key guarantees to voters throughout the state. The Prime Minister’s message has been articulated at many of his rallies and other public events as being part of a larger development agenda that demonstrates the difference between his party’s vision versus regional opposition parties’ visions for the state. As all of the parties ramp up their campaigning efforts to gain voter support and confidence, they come at a critical time in terms of the political landscape.
Focus on Development and Infrastructure
The focus of one of the six major guarantees is to accelerate the growth of the state’s infrastructure. Modi has stated that he will increase the amount of investment into expanding and upgrading the state’s road systems, improving train service, and updating infrastructure in urban areas. He claimed that connecting both rural and urban communities would facilitate more trade and increase mobility between rural and urban areas, which ultimately will help to create job opportunities and provide for economic activity in the state.
The Prime Minister has also pointed out that there are a number of central government programs either currently being executed or in the pipeline to be executed in the future that will move more rapidly toward completion should his party gain more strength and influence within the state.
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Job Opportunities for Youths
Modi promised to create job opportunities, particularly for youths, in response to the increasing concerns regarding unemployment in India. He stated that he would promote the growth of manufacturing, information technology (IT), and tourism in West Bengal by creating new businesses and providing skills training programs for the development of the work force. Modi believes that the untapped potential in West Bengal exists in the manufacturing, IT, and tourism sectors.
He expressed his desire to have a cohesive approach through policies that will effectively attract investment to develop new areas of employment opportunities and entrepreneurship.
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Women’s Empowerment Initiatives
He also emphasized women’s empowerment, by confirming policies that support financial inclusion, safety, access to government schemes for women, and confirmed there are central government programs that support women-led households & women entrepreneurs; while expanding the number and reach of these types of programs in the state.
He also spoke of the need for women to have access to education and health care services, stating that women’s empowerment is necessary to progress our entire society forward.
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Welfare Schemes and Direct Benefits
He reassured, that welfare scheme delivery would be made more efficient, and that people/communities would receive the welfare benefits/entitlements for which they are eligible in an efficient manner, without unduly waiting, or being subject to corruption. He stressed that the Electronic/direct benefit transfer systems/processes will assist in making welfare program delivery efficient, and transparent.
Finally, Modi assured that there will be continued funding for all of the welfare schemes, i.e., housing, health, food security programs, and that these funds will be appropriately held accountable, with strict oversight to ensure proper implementation at the local community level.
Boost to Farmers and Rural Economy
Modi, as part of his campaign promise to rural voters, pledged greater support for farmers by offering financial aid, new irrigation projects, and better market access. He also noted the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy and made a commitment to initiatives aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes.
Other parts of the plan include improving storage facilities and supply chains for farms, and increasing access to modern farming techniques, all with a view towards making agriculture more sustainable and profitable.
Law, Order & Governance
The last commitment was related to the reform of governance and law & order. Modi noted that there were many problems associated with current forms of administration, and he would ensure greater transparency and efficiency in this area. He also stated that good governance is fundamental to attracting investment and sustaining the welfare of citizens.
He reiterated that the government will work to improve institutions and deliver services efficiently, presenting this, in effect, as a basis for supporting long-term growth.
Significance of Political Implications
The above notes illustrate six things that Modi is trying to do, through these six commitments, to respond to a broad collection of voter concerns, such as promises for economic development or promises for social progress. Since West Bengal is a very important politically, these commitments could become the basis of campaign messages during the upcoming election process.
While it will be interesting to see how these commitments will be received by the voters on Election Day, they may have a significant impact on the final tally of votes cast in this election.
