Siliguri/Malda, April 19 -- Ahead of the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled on April 23, allegations of violating the Model Code of Conduct have surfaced against the BJP in the Dabgram-Fulbari Assembly constituency.
According to reports, BJP workers were allegedly distributing 'Matri Sakti Vorosa Card' forms, door-to-door in the Thakurnagar area near Siliguri, promising Rs 3000 per month to beneficiaries if the party comes to power. The incident reportedly triggered tension in the locality after it came to the attention of Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers.
Local residents claimed that near Jabravita School, a person identified as Kartik Kabiraj was visiting households and handing over the forms to women while assuring them of the monthly financial benefit. TMC workers objected, leading to a heated situation in the area.
It has been alleged that TMC workers detained the individual. Upon receiving information, police from New Jalpaiguri Police Station reached the spot, brought the situation under control, and detained Kartik Kabiraj.
Rajesh Ghosh, block president of the Jai Hind Bahini, said: "Making such promises to influence voters during elections is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The person has already been handed over to the police, and we expect appropriate legal action."
TMC leader Bhavatosh Roy alleged that BJP workers were attempting to lure and mislead voters in several areas by violating election norms. He urged the administration to take necessary steps.
A similar incident happened at ward number 46 in Siliguri on Saturday night. The detainee Kartick Kabiraj said: "I don't know the details about it. I am the president of this block of the BJP. As per the party's order, I came here to distribute the forms"
Meanwhile, in Manikchak, Malda, CPI(M) raised the same complaint against BJP. A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission against BJP candidate Gour Chandra Mondal's wife and local leaders over alleged distribution of forms under the "Annapurna Yojana." According to CPI(M) sources, a meeting was organised at Raypara under Mathurapur Gram Panchayat, where a large number of women were invited. It is alleged that they were encouraged to attend with promises of benefits under the scheme.
Shyamal Basak, election agent of the CPI(M) candidate, said: "Such activities in the name of a government scheme during elections clearly violate the Model Code of Conduct. We have approached the Election Commission."
Eyewitnesses claimed many women at the meeting carried Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, and bank passbooks. CPI(M) candidate Debajyoti Sinha said: "The BJP is misleading voters with inducements."
Rejecting the allegations, BJP leader Subhash Yadav said: "It was only an organisational meeting. No forms were distributed. The allegations are baseless and politically motivated."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.