As West Bengal heads towards the 2026 Assembly elections, and with just months remaining before her government completes 15 years in power, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today presented a comprehensive report card of her administration’s performance. Dubbed the ‘Unnayaner Panchali’ (Panchali of Development), the presentation highlighted key achievements across various sectors, claiming a significant uplift in the state’s socio-economic metrics.

Economic Growth and Poverty Alleviation

The Chief Minister asserted that her government’s policies have resulted in the creation of more than 2 crore jobs over the last 14 years. Citing significant gains in the fight against poverty, she stated that 1.72 crore people have been successfully lifted above the poverty line by 2023. She claimed that the state has reduced its overall unemployment rate by 40 percent compared to the national average.
Highlighting the growth drivers, Ms. Banerjee noted that the state is now a model for micro-small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with over 1.30 crore job opportunities created in the sector. She specifically pointed out that West Bengal leads the country in women-led micro-enterprises, having launched 12 lakh self-help groups (SHGs). She also mentioned six economic corridors under development with potential investments exceeding $2 lakh crore.

Social Welfare and Infrastructure Successes

Ms. Banerjee detailed the success of her flagship welfare schemes:
• Lakshmir Bhandar: Provides financial aid to 2.21 crore families.
• Kanyashree: Benefits 1 crore female students.
• Rupashree: Has supported the weddings of 22 lakh young women.
• Health and Housing: The budget for the health sector has increased sixfold, with the ‘Swasthya Sathi’ health card scheme covering 2.45 crore families. Additionally, 67.69 lakh houses have been constructed under the Awas Yojana, with a target of 1 crore.

The CM also confirmed that legal recognition has been granted to all refugee colonies. She noted infrastructure developments, including the construction of the Gangasagar Bridge (worth ₹1,700 crore) and progress on the Ghatal Master Plan. Furthermore, the state has provided drinking water access to 99 lakh families over 14 years and distributed 6.56 crore land deeds (pattas) since 2011.

Political Significance and Centre-State Tussle

The timing of this detailed report card is highly significant, coming just as a special intensive revision of electoral rolls begins in the state, signaling the ramp-up to the 2026 polls. This massive outreach campaign aims to consolidate the ruling party’s base by demonstrating a tangible record of development.

However, the presentation also served as a renewed attack on the Central Government. Ms. Banerjee accused the Centre of withholding state dues totaling ₹1.87 lakh crore and blocking funds for road and drinking water projects. She countered these cuts by citing the ‘Pathashree’ scheme, which has built 60,000 km of roads, and the ‘Karmashree’ project, launched after the Centre allegedly stopped funds for the 100-day work scheme (MGNREGS). She further criticized the Centre over the rising cost of poultry feed, leading to increased egg prices.

The focus on pilgrimage sites, including new initiatives like the Jagannath Temple in Digha and the Mahakal Temple in Siliguri, alongside a university honoring Harichand Thakur, underscores the government’s strategy of inclusive development across all communities, which she claimed has boosted tourism, with 24 crore domestic and foreign tourists visiting Bengal by October 2025.

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