BJP Launches 'Matri Shakti' Card in Bengal; TMC Alleges Poll Code Violation
During the Bengali New Year celebrations in Kolkata, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched the symbolic 'Matri Shakti Bharosha Card,' promising monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to every woman in West Bengal if elected. The initiative, presented as a counter to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government's existing welfare scheme, was attended by prominent BJP leaders including Smriti Irani and Suvendu Adhikari. The TMC immediately condemned the event as a gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), arguing that while manifestos can be released, distributing benefit cards to potential beneficiaries during elections is prohibited. State Minister Shashi Panja urged the Election Commission to take cognizance of the breach, suggesting the move reflects the BJP's panic over poor internal survey results. Additionally, BJP leaders criticized the TMC government's record on women's safety, citing difficulties in implementing one-stop centers for harassment victims and referencing the RG Kar case. This political confrontation highlights the intensifying rhetoric and strategic maneuvering between the two major parties ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
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BJP Launches 'Matri Shakti' Card in Bengal; TMC Alleges Poll Code Violation
During the Bengali New Year celebrations in Kolkata, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched the symbolic 'Matri Shakti Bharosha Card,' promising monthly financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to every woman in West Bengal if elected. The initiative, presented as a counter to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government's existing welfare scheme, was attended by prominent BJP leaders including Smriti Irani and Suvendu Adhikari. The TMC immediately condemned the event as a gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), arguing that while manifestos can be released, distributing benefit cards to potential beneficiaries during elections is prohibited. State Minister Shashi Panja urged the Election Commission to take cognizance of the breach, suggesting the move reflects the BJP's panic over poor internal survey results. Additionally, BJP leaders criticized the TMC government's record on women's safety, citing difficulties in implementing one-stop centers for harassment victims and referencing the RG Kar case. This political confrontation highlights the intensifying rhetoric and strategic maneuvering between the two major parties ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
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