Kolkata, April 16 -- The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against BJP leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Smriti Irani over the launch and distribution of the "Matri Shakti Bharosha Card" in West Bengal, alleging violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

In its letter to the poll body, the TMC MP Derek O'Brien, on behalf of the ruling party, alleged that the BJP leaders, along with party workers, announced the scheme on April 15, promising Rs 3,000 monthly financial assistance to women, and began distributing forms to beneficiaries across the state.

Explaining its concern, the party said that women are being encouraged to fill out forms with the promise of receiving money, which it ...