Industry and development, opposition to disinvestment in banking and insurance sector, opposition to construction of shopping malls and focus on a non-BJP, non-Third Front Government at the Centre were the highlights of the Trinamool Congress’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls released on Monday.

“Why should there not be development in Bengal. We are already 32 years late in developing as a state. We want to make the sea town of Digha on a par with Goa and promote North Bengal as Switzerland. We want a Kolkata equitable with London. Why not? By development, we do not mean bloodbath and guns, but pro-people industries. Land should not be acquired forcefully,” said Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee at a press conference at her residence.

“When we come to power, we will show how development and industrialisation can be brought to Bengal. There is ample scope of boosting industries in jute textile, engineering and steel in Bengal, apart from utlisation of our natural resources,” she added.

She also spoke about development in steel, mineral and petrochemical industries as well as development of Kolkata and Haldia ports. The Trinamool manifesto lays emphasis on revival of closed and sick industries in Bengal and setting up new industries.

Distancing herself completely from the BJP, Mamata said that her party will work to promote secular ideals in the country.

She also demanded that 50 per cent of the revenue earned by the Centre be given to the states, changing the limits and manner of revenue earnings. She spoke for raise in central investment in infrastructure development in Bengal and sought more budgetary allocation for rail, electricity, telecommunications and roads. Her manifesto spoke against disinvestment of public sector enterprises, which, she said, should be strengthened.

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