Kolkata, April 15 -- The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that the BJP violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), accusing Smriti Irani of distributing "Matri Shakti Bharosa cards"- financial assurance cards to women voters in Kolkata and demanded action over the incident.

According to reports, Irani distributed a "Matri Shakti Bharosa Card" to women at a private hotel in Kolkata, promising Rs 3,000 directly into their bank accounts. TMC claimed that such distribution during the election period constitutes a direct violation of the MCC, as it attempts to influence voters through financial inducements.

TMC senior leader Shashi Panja strongly criticised the move, stating that although the BJP had mentioned financial support for women in its manifesto, physically handing out such guarantee cards during elections breaches electoral norms. She further termed the initiative misleading and questioned its credibility.

Panja also cited past instances to challenge BJP's promises, alleging that similar assurances made to women in Delhi and Bihar were either not fulfilled or later withdrawn.

She argued that the scheme is aimed at attracting women voters through "false promises" rather than genuine policy commitments.

Additionally, Panja raised concerns over women's safety under BJP governance, claiming that several ministers in the central government face criminal charges, including allegations related to crimes against women. She accused the BJP of spreading misinformation to influence voters in West Bengal despite poor records in BJP-ruled states.

The controversy adds to the intensifying political battle in the state ahead of the elections, with TMC demanding strict enforcement of electoral rules. On the same day, Smriti Irani abruptly left a BJP rally midway in Hooghly's Chunchura during a New Year procession after reportedly losing her temper over delays and poor arrangements.

She had to wait in the heat as the programme started late, and the absence of the district BJP president further added to her displeasure.

Although the rally eventually began, Irani exited before its conclusion, skipping her scheduled speech, fuelling speculation about internal discord within the party.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.