A Visionary Blueprint for ‘Viksit Bharat’ – Stability, Growth, and Future-Readiness

A Visionary Blueprint for ‘Viksit Bharat’ – Stability, Growth, and Future-Readiness

By News20 Media Network

New Delhi, February 4, 2026

In her record-breaking ninth consecutive Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has delivered a masterclass in fiscal prudence combined with aggressive growth. Presented on February 1, the Union Budget 2026-27 is not just a financial statement; it is a confident declaration of India’s trajectory toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The Modi government has once again silenced critics and energized supporters by presenting a budget that balances macroeconomic stability with the aspirations of the common man. With a laser focus on infrastructure, future technologies, and "Ease of Living," the BJP-led NDA government has laid a solid foundation for the next phase of India's economic rise.

Infrastructure: The Engine of Growth

The headline number that has markets cheering is the massive hike in Capital Expenditure (Capex) to ₹12.2 lakh crore. This 8.9% increase from the previous year signals the government’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure-led growth.

The announcement of seven new High-Speed Rail corridors and a dedicated freight corridor connecting Dankuni to Surat is a game-changer for logistics and connectivity. Furthermore, the operationalization of 20 new national waterways over the next five years proves that this administration is thinking decades ahead, not just for the next election cycle.

Relief and Simplicity for the Common Man

While the opposition hoped for populist handouts, the government chose a path of genuine empowerment and simplification. The biggest takeaway for the salaried class is the introduction of the New Income Tax Act, 2025, effective from April 1, 2026. By rewriting the archaic 1961 code, the government is delivering on its promise to reduce litigation and simplify compliance for honest taxpayers.

In a direct move to support the middle class and students studying abroad, the reduction of Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on overseas education and tour packages to a flat 2% is a welcome relief. Additionally, the exemption of customs duty on 17 critical cancer drugs showcases the government’s compassionate approach to healthcare, ensuring that life-saving treatments remain affordable.

Powering the Future: Tech and Industry

Budget 2026 firmly positions India as a global hub for future technologies. The launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 with an outlay of ₹40,000 crore demonstrates that the BJP government is serious about securing India’s place in the global chip supply chain.

Moreover, the "Biopharma Shakti" scheme, with ₹10,000 crore allocated to boost biopharma manufacturing, and the establishment of dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in states like Odisha and Kerala, highlight a strategic vision to reduce import dependence and boost high-tech exports.

Empowering the Annadata and Nari Shakti

The government continues to champion the cause of farmers and women. The introduction of Bharat-VISTAAR, an AI-based platform to provide customized advisory services to farmers, is a revolutionary step toward modernizing agriculture.

Simultaneously, the "She-Mark" scheme to support women entrepreneurs ensures that women are not just beneficiaries of development but active drivers of the economy.

Fiscal Prudence: A Mark of Good Governance

Perhaps the most impressive feat is the government's ability to spend big while tightening the purse strings. By pegging the fiscal deficit target at 4.3% for 2026-27, the Finance Minister has signaled to global investors that India’s economic fundamentals are robust and disciplined.

Conclusion: A Budget for a New India

As BJP leaders have rightly termed it, this is a "progressive and growth-oriented" budget. It avoids short-term populism in favor of long-term asset creation. From the tier-2 city youth looking for jobs in new industrial corridors to the farmer accessing AI tools, Budget 2026 has something for everyone.

Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the 2026 Budget stands as a testament to a government that is not just ruling but building. It is, unequivocally, a decisive step toward the dream of a Viksit Bharat.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a major BJP rally in Singur, West Bengal today, January 18, 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a major BJP rally in Singur, West Bengal today, January 18, 2026.

This rally is politically significant as it took place at the site of the abandoned Tata Nano factory, which was the epicenter of the 2006 anti-land acquisition movement that helped propel Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to power.

Key Highlights of the Rally:

Symbolic Location: The BJP chose the site of the abandoned Tata Nano plant to attack the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government on the issue of industrial stagnation. The party is using the "lost industry" narrative to argue that the 2006 agitation drove jobs away from Bengal.

Development Push: During the visit, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth approximately ₹830 crore. These include:  

An Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh.  

A new rail line between Jayrambati and Maynapur.  

Flagging off new train services and an electric catamaran in Kolkata.  

Political Narrative: The BJP has promised to "bring industry back" to Singur if voted to power in the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Leaders have specifically mentioned aiming to bring major industrial players like Tata back to the state.

Counter-Narrative: The TMC maintains that the Singur movement was about protecting farmers' rights against forcible land acquisition, citing the Supreme Court verdict that declared the acquisition illegal. They argue the BJP is ignoring the rights of the farmers who fought for their land.

This visit follows the Prime Minister's rally in Malda yesterday, where he flagged off the Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train and criticized the state government on issues of infiltration and corruption.

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Suvendu Adhikari Distributes Winter Clothes in Behala Purba, Driven by Convener Sankar Sikder's Initiative

Suvendu Adhikari Distributes Winter Clothes in Behala Purba, Driven by Convener Sankar Sikder's Initiative

Kolkata : In a significant humanitarian effort, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Shri Suvendu Adhikari, distributed winter garments to the needy in the Behala Purba Assembly constituency. The event was organized under the special initiative of the Kolkata Division Convener, Shankar Sikder Dāda.

Highlights of the Event

Presence of the Opposition Leader: Shri Suvendu Adhikari personally attended the function, handing over the winter clothes to the local residents, which garnered a massive response from the community.

Sankar Sikder's Role: The program was smoothly executed thanks to the active role and excellent management of Kolkata Division Convener, Sankar Sikder Dāda. His commitment to the cause was widely appreciated by all present.

The Objective: The primary goal of the drive was to provide warmth and relief to the poor and marginalized people struggling against the biting winter cold.

Call for Social Service: Addressing the gathering, Shri Suvendu Adhikari urged everyone to step forward in more social service initiatives. He emphasized, "Our true duty is to stand by the people, rising above politics."

This winter clothes distribution program has brought smiles to the faces of the Behala Purba residents and once again highlighted the commitment of public representatives toward societal welfare.

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Mann Ki Baat Programme Organised at Ward 144, Behala East Mandal 4

A community outreach programme centred around Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast was organised today at Ward 144 under Behala East Mandal 4. The event witnessed active participation from local residents, community leaders, and party workers who gathered to listen to the Prime Minister’s monthly address.

Anupam Bhattacharjee was present at the venue and engaged with attendees, encouraging citizens to share their views on key developmental initiatives. The session highlighted public involvement, grassroots participation, and various welfare schemes discussed in ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that such gatherings help strengthen community-level communication and increase awareness about ongoing government programmes.

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Roopa Ganguly Accuses Bengal Government of Political Interference in Film Industry

Kolkata, 24 November — Senior BJP leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Roopa Ganguly on Monday raised serious allegations of political meddling within Bengal’s film and television sector. Speaking at the BJP’s Salt Lake office, Ganguly said that technicians, artists and small filmmakers are facing unprecedented pressure and restrictions.

She criticised the Federation for dictating mandatory hiring norms that prevent new directors from making documentaries or low-budget films. She questioned why individuals who did not attend award ceremonies featuring the Chief Minister later face professional difficulties.

Ganguly also recalled the RG Kar agitation, alleging that several members of the film fraternity, despite having diverse political ideologies, were compelled to apologise for participating in protests. She said technicians often refuse to work with certain directors due to political leanings, calling it an alarming trend of politicisation on the sets.

While acknowledging that technician wages have recently risen, Ganguly said the state is witnessing an exodus of production houses, with only a few large companies still functioning.

She further referred to legal disputes and an alleged self-harm incident involving a technician, describing them as signs of a deteriorating atmosphere within the industry.

Expressing hope for change, Ganguly said she believes the industry will eventually overcome political pressure and once again become a space that supports creativity, harmony and professional freedom.

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) inaugurated a Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) assistance camp in South Kolkata District, Mandal 4, with the presence of District President Anupam Bhattacharjee and State Youth President Indranil Khan

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) inaugurated a Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) assistance camp in South Kolkata District, Mandal 4, with the presence of District President Anupam Bhattacharjee and State Youth President Indranil Khan. The initiative aims to simplify the application process for beneficiaries and clarify distinctions between CAA and the State Identification Register (SIR), which leaders emphasized are entirely separate projects.

Inauguration of a CAA Assistance Camp  

- Location: South Kolkata District, Mandal 4  

- Key Leaders Present:  

  - Anupam Bhattacharjee, BJP South Kolkata District President  

  - Indranil Khan BJP State Youth President  

The camp was formally opened with the objective of helping applicants navigate the CAA process more easily, ensuring that documentation and procedural requirements do not become barriers. Party workers and volunteers were mobilized to provide step-by-step guidance to attendees.

 Purpose of the Camp

- Assistance for Applicants: The camp is designed to help individuals understand eligibility, prepare necessary documents, and submit applications under the CAA framework.  

- Simplification of Process: Leaders highlighted that the initiative is meant to reduce confusion and make the process accessible to all, especially those who may face difficulties with paperwork.  

- Community Outreach: The BJP emphasized that the camp is part of a broader outreach program across West Bengal, aiming to reassure communities and dispel misconceptions about the Act.

 Leaders’ Statements

- Anupam Bhattacharjee underscored that the camp reflects BJP’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible applicant is left behind due to procedural hurdles.  

- Indranil Khan reiterated that CAA and SIR are two distinct projects, stressing that they are not linked in any respect. He explained that while CAA deals with granting citizenship to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries, SIR is a separate administrative exercise.  

This clarification was intended to address public concerns and counter misinformation that often conflates the two processes.

 Key Takeaways

- The camp is part of BJP’s larger plan to set up multiple assistance centers across West Bengal.  

- Leaders emphasized transparency and accessibility, assuring that applicants will receive full support.  

- The distinction between CAA and SIR was strongly highlighted to prevent confusion and reassure communities.  

Context

Reports indicate that BJP has been organizing similar camps across Bengal to strengthen outreach and build confidence among refugee communities. These camps are positioned as a way to bridge the gap between policy and people, ensuring that beneficiaries can access their rights without bureaucratic obstacles.

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Press Conference :BJP South Kolla District President: 08th Nov'25

At a press conference in South Kolkata, the BJP district president clarified that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls are two distinct initiatives. He emphasized that despite the ruling party’s claims that SIR would not take place, the process is already underway and will continue. To assist citizens, the BJP has announced the opening of a dedicated cell to guide people on SIR-related issues.

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Press Conference Highlights

- Clear distinction between CAA and SIR:  

  The BJP South Kolkata district president stressed that the CAA is a legislative measure concerning citizenship rights, while SIR is an administrative exercise focused on electoral roll revision. He argued that conflating the two is misleading and politically motivated.  

- Ruling party’s stance challenged:  

  According to him, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) had repeatedly claimed that SIR would not take place in West Bengal. However, he pointed out that the process has already begun, with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) conducting house-to-house verification. He asserted that SIR will continue as mandated by the Election Commission of India.  

- BJP’s proactive support mechanism:  

  To address public concerns, the BJP has opened a dedicated cell in South Kolkata. This cell will:  

  - Provide information and guidance on the SIR process.  

  - Assist citizens in filing necessary documents and clarifying doubts.  

  - Act as a liaison between residents and election authorities, ensuring transparency and reducing confusion.  

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Political Context

- The SIR exercise has become a flashpoint in Bengal politics, with the TMC opposing it and alleging that it could be misused to target voters.  

- The BJP, on the other hand, views SIR as a routine electoral process essential for maintaining accurate voter rolls.  

- By linking its support structures to SIR, the BJP is signaling its intent to mobilize grassroots workers and reassure communities who feel uncertain about the implications of the revision.  

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Implications

- For citizens: The dedicated cell offers a structured channel to seek help, reducing misinformation and anxiety.  

- For politics in Bengal: The BJP’s move positions the party as both a defender of electoral integrity and a challenger to the ruling party’s narrative.  

- For upcoming elections: Accurate voter rolls are critical, and the BJP’s involvement in SIR could strengthen its organizational presence in South Kolkata and beyond.  

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Key Updates on West Bengal SIR

The current major news regarding elections in West Bengal revolves around the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in preparation for the Assembly elections scheduled for 2026.

🗳️ Key Updates on West Bengal SIR:

 * Door-to-Door Enumeration: The house-to-house enumeration phase of the SIR began on November 4, 2025, and is scheduled to continue until December 4, 2025. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are visiting residences to distribute and collect enumeration forms.

   * Over 1.10 crore enumeration forms were reportedly distributed in the first two days of the process.

 * Online Facility: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has also launched an online facility for voters to access and fill the enumeration forms on the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal portal and the ECINET app.

 * Political Controversy: The SIR process has become a significant political issue in the state.

   * The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly opposed the exercise, with CM Mamata Banerjee leading protests and the party's General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee warning of legal action against alleged irregularities, calling it "silent invisible rigging" by the BJP to delete names of genuine voters.

   * The BJP has dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, hailing the SIR as a move for "greater transparency" in the electoral rolls.

 * Legal Scrutiny: The Calcutta High Court has asked the ECI to file an affidavit in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that questions why the SIR is being conducted based on the 2002 voters' list.

 * Important Dates for SIR 2026:

   * House-to-House Enumeration: November 4 – December 4, 2025

   * Draft Electoral Roll Publication: December 9, 2025

   * Claims & Objections Period: December 9, 2025 – January 8, 2026

   * Final Electoral Roll Publication: February 7, 2026

The focus is currently on the execution and political fallout of this intensive revision of the voter list ahead of the crucial 2026 Assembly polls.

Would you like me to search for any other specific political or election-related news from West Bengal?

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