Union Home Minister Amit Shah announces ₹3,000 monthly aid promise in Malda ahead of Bengali New Year

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday reiterated a key welfare promise of the Bharatiya Janata Partystating that ₹3,000 per month would be deposited directly into the bank accounts of women and unemployed youth if the party forms the government in the state. Addressing party workers and supporters in Malda on the eve of the Bengali New Year, Shah said the initiative would begin with outreach efforts from the first day of the new year. “From tomorrow, BJP workers will go to women and youth to collect forms,” he said, outlining the party’s grassroots mobilisation strategy linked to the proposed scheme.

Welfare push linked to election manifesto

The announcement aligns with the BJP’s recently released “Sankalp Patra” for the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election. According to reports by platforms such as The Times of India, The Economic Times, and The Indian Express, the manifesto promises direct financial assistance of ₹3,000 to women, along with support measures for unemployed youth and other sections. The proposal is part of a broader electoral strategy aimed at expanding the party’s appeal among women and young voters—two crucial demographic groups in the state’s political landscape. Analysts note that welfare-driven schemes have become central to campaign narratives in West Bengal, with multiple parties offering direct benefit transfers to voters.

Focus on employment and social support

In addition to the monthly aid, the BJP has also promised job creation initiatives, merit-based employment opportunities, and financial assistance for youth preparing for competitive exams. Reports indicate that the party has projected large-scale employment generation and economic reforms as part of its governance roadmap. Shah emphasized that the scheme would be implemented transparently through direct bank transfers, a model increasingly used in welfare delivery across India to reduce leakages and improve efficiency.

Political context and competitive welfare landscape

The announcement comes amid an intense electoral contest in West Bengal, where welfare schemes remain a key battleground. Political observers highlight that both the ruling government and opposition parties are focusing on direct cash support programmes to consolidate voter bases. With campaigning gaining momentum ahead of polling, Shah’s Malda remarks signal the BJP’s attempt to combine policy promises with on-ground mobilisation, particularly timed with the cultural significance of the Bengali New Year.