NEW DELHI — Following a landmark victory in the West Bengal assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the state will finally implement the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. Speaking at the BJP headquarters in Delhi on May 4, 2026, the Prime Minister declared that the program would be approved during the very first cabinet meeting of the new government.
Healthcare Overhaul
The implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) marks a major shift in Bengal’s healthcare policy. Under the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration, the state had declined the central scheme in favor of its own local programs.
Key features of the incoming scheme include:
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Cashless Cover: Families will receive up to ₹5 lakh in annual coverage for medical expenses.
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Senior Support: All citizens over the age of 70 are automatically covered under the program.
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National Alignment: Bengal will join 35 other states and Union Territories already providing this centrally-sponsored insurance.
A Vision for “Sonar Bangla”
PM Modi framed the electoral win as the start of a new era for the state, promising a focus on safety, employment, and halting migration.
“A journey for the future of Bengal is beginning today… I assure every resident of Bengal that the BJP will work day and night for a better future for the state,” PM Modi stated.
Political Context
The BJP’s surge, leading in over 200 seats, has effectively ended Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year tenure. This transition coincides with other strict administrative measures in the state, such as the Chief Secretary’s recent order to secure all government files to prevent tampering or unauthorized removal during the leadership change.
The victory in Bengal is being celebrated by BJP leaders as a “national victory,” alongside the party’s massive mandate in Assam.
