West Bengal BJP government faces scrutiny after first 150 days

West Bengal’s first BJP-led government is facing scrutiny over whether its promised political and administrative change has translated into results after 150 days in office. The BJP won 207 of the state’s 294 Assembly seats on May 4, ending 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule. Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as chief minister on May 9.

The government points to the rollout of Annapurna Yojana, the implementation of Ayushman Bharat and a budget promise to create 100,000 government jobs. The scheme provides eligible women aged 25 to 60 with Rs 3,000 a month through direct bank transfers. The government said about 1.5 crore women had received the fourth instalment by September.

However, the source material also reports delayed or pending payments, verification drives and protests over delays and exclusions. Political analyst Sayantan Ghosh said the administration’s intent was visible, while cautioning that the scheme had not reached everyone who previously received payments under Lakshmir Bhandar. He said expectations around governance and jobs could not be met in only 150 days.

Employment remains a central test for the government. Its budget included a 33 per cent reservation for women in the proposed recruitments, while Adhikari appealed to migrant workers to return and promised 125 days of work for job-card holders. The government has also promoted investment.

In September, land was allotted for 33 industrial projects, with estimated investment of about Rs 60,000 crore and potential for 62,000 direct and indirect jobs. Adhikari promised a new industrial land policy covering land pooling, direct purchase and single-window clearances.