Kolkata, 16 April (H.S.) : Amid heightened political activity ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission against senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, including Smriti Irani and Suvendu Adhikari, alleging violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
In a letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal, the TMC claimed that BJP leaders on April 15, 2026, announced a scheme titled ‘Matrishakti Bharosa Card’, promising ₹3,000 per month to women beneficiaries through direct bank transfers. The party also alleged that forms related to the scheme were distributed at multiple locations.
According to the TMC, such announcements and distribution of forms during the election period constitute a serious violation of the MCC. The party alleged that women were being induced to enrol in the scheme with promises of financial benefits, either through direct transfers or cash disbursement.
The complaint further stated that the timing, nature, and execution of the initiative suggest it is a coordinated effort to influence voters ahead of the elections rather than a genuine welfare measure.
It may be noted that Smriti Irani was in Kolkata on Wednesday, where she launched and distributed the ‘Matrishakti Bharosa Card’ among women.
The TMC has argued that such actions undermine the principles of free and fair elections by influencing voter choice and disturbing the level playing field among contesting parties.
The party has termed the alleged acts as “corrupt practices” under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and also cited penal provisions under Sections 61(2), 173, and 174 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The TMC has urged the Election Commission to issue show-cause notices to Irani, Adhikari, and other BJP leaders, and to initiate immediate and stringent action over the alleged MCC violations.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
