As political activity gathers pace ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party has rolled out a statewide outreach campaign to collect public suggestions for its forthcoming Sankalp Patra, or election manifesto.
Party sources said the manifesto is being drafted based on feedback gathered directly from citizens across districts and is expected to be released in the first week of March.
‘Gono Andolon’ Claim
According to BJP leaders, the suggestion drive has evolved into what they describe as a “Gono Andolon” a people’s movement, across the state. Lakhs of submissions have reportedly been received from villages, towns and urban centres.
“What stands out is the sincerity of the responses,” a party source said. “People are not submitting political slogans. They are writing about their daily struggles and lived experiences.”
Submissions have included handwritten letters dropped into suggestion boxes at district offices as well as detailed messages sent through digital platforms. BJP leaders claim that citizens are viewing the Sankalp Patra not merely as a party document but as a public charter of expectations.
Participation Across Districts
Party insiders said suggestion boxes were kept open for weeks to ensure broad participation. Students reportedly visited after college hours, homemakers in the afternoons, and daily wage earners after work.
“In several districts, people returned with neighbours and family members to submit more suggestions,” a source said. “The process was deliberately kept open long enough to ensure representation from villages, towns, women, youth, workers and senior citizens.”
The party maintains that all submissions are being categorised and reviewed before finalising the manifesto.
“This will be drafted from the public’s voice upward, not from leadership downward,” a senior functionary said.
Key Issues Raised by Citizens
According to party sources, recurring themes have emerged across districts. The issues highlighted include:
* Alleged corruption and “cut-money” practices
* Demand for a fear-free society and stricter rule of law
* Employment generation and industrial growth within Bengal
* Alleged syndicate control and local intimidation
* Direct delivery of welfare benefits without political intermediaries
* Opportunities for youth to prevent migration to other states
* Dignity, security and respect for all sections of society
Party leaders said the focus reflects consistent concerns rather than isolated grievances. “This is less about politics and more about a collective demand for a normal, secure life,” a BJP leader stated.
Emotional Public Response
BJP sources described the public response as deeply emotional in several districts. Citizens reportedly shared personal hardships, with elderly individuals carrying ration cards and bills, and women raising concerns about safety.
“In many places, the campaign felt like a public hearing rather than a political exercise,” a source said. “People spoke, and we listened.”
Two demands were said to be repeated across regions: ensuring safety for women and creating employment opportunities within the state so that young people are not compelled to migrate elsewhere.
Manifesto Release Soon
With the election calendar nearing, BJP sources indicated that the Sankalp Patra will be unveiled in the first week of March following a comprehensive review of public suggestions.
As the electoral contest in West Bengal intensifies, the BJP’s attempt to position its manifesto as a “people’s document” could shape campaign narratives in the weeks ahead. Whether this consultative approach converts into electoral gains will be tested when voters head to the polls.
