Shah vows crackdown on ‘misrule’ in Bengal, promises UCC
The Statesman | 12 April 2026
Releasing the BJP’s election manifesto ‘Sankalpa Patra’ on Thursday, Union home minister Amit Shah promised decisive action against “15 years of corruption, lawlessness and political violence” in West Bengal.
Shah said a BJP government would prioritise restoring the rule of law, ensuring security and dismantling entrenched networks of corruption.
“The party after coming to power will release a white paper on alleged corruption and administrative failures under the current government. The paper will expose irregularities and hold those responsible accountable through legal action,” Shah said.
“We will bring all culprits behind corruption to justice,” he said, accusing the ruling Trinamul Congress of running a “mafia raj” linked to coal, cattle and other sectors. The BJP has also promised to curb the so-called “cut money” culture and end syndicate operations that it alleges have become entrenched in the state’s governance system.
A major focus of the party’s enforcement agenda is infiltration and border security. Shah announced a “zero tolerance” policy, stating that illegal infiltrators would be identified, detained and deported in a systematic manner. He warned that continued infiltration could pose a serious threat to the state’s demographic and security balance.
The party also pledged to strengthen border surveillance using modern technology and seal routes used for cattle smuggling. “Illegal encroachment on government land is a key concern and we promise to remove all such encroachments within two months of forming the government,” the home minister said.
He alleged that the current administration was unwilling to cooperate on issues related to land for border infrastructure, saying a BJP government would resolve such matters within 45 days.
On political violence, Shah announced that a commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge would be set up to investigate incidents across the state.
The BJP has also promised sweeping legal and administrative reforms, including the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within six months of coming to power. Shah said this would ensure equal rights and a uniform legal framework for all citizens.
Law and order reforms are expected to be backed by a detailed two-part strategy, which will first document the alleged deterioration under the current regime and then outline measures to restore stability and public confidence.
Shah said restoring fear-free governance would be a top priority, with emphasis on strengthening policing and administrative accountability.
The manifesto also links governance reforms with broader institutional restructuring. Shah said within 100 days of assuming office, the BJP would introduce a comprehensive roadmap to revive the state’s financial condition, alongside ensuring full implementation of Central schemes that he alleged have been stalled.
Positioning the ‘Sankalpa Patra’ as both a “charge sheet” and a corrective roadmap, Shah said the people of Bengal had been subjected to “years of fear and frustration” and are now seeking change.
He argued that the BJP, having functioned as a “constructive opposition” in the state, is prepared to deliver decisive governance if given a mandate.
“This is not just a manifesto; it is an oath of trust. It is about bringing back rule of law, ensuring security and freeing Bengal from corruption and fear,” Shah said.