TMC moves ECI against Suvendu, Irani over poll code violations
The Statesman | 17 April 2026
A day after Smriti Irani announced the ‘Matrishakti Bhorsa Card’, a scheme promising Rs 3,000 per month to women in the state, the Trinamul Congress on Thursday approached the Election Commission of India (ECI), lodging a formal complaint against senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Irani for alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
In its letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal, the TMC flagged the announcement and distribution of forms related to the scheme as a direct attempt to influence voters during the election period.
“This is to bring to your attention that on 15.04.2026, Shri Suvendu Adhikari, Smt. Smriti Irani and other leaders, members and workers of the BJP have announced a new scheme, namely, ‘Matrishakti Bhorsa Card’, wherein they are promising to give Rs 3,000 on a monthly basis, directly into the accounts of the cardholders. They have been distributing forms of the said newly introduced scheme at various places,” the letter stated.
The ruling party alleged that the move was not a routine welfare outreach but a calculated electoral strategy.
“The nature, timing and manner of such disbursement clearly indicate that it is not an isolated or charitable exercise, but a calculated and coordinated activity undertaken in proximity to the electoral period, with the manifest intent of influencing voters in favour of a particular political party,” the complaint read.
The TMC said the actions of the BJP leaders were “deeply prejudicial to the conduct of free and fair elections” and accused them of attempting to distort the level playing field.
The party further alleged that “the dissemination of misleading and unverified content, coupled with targeted messaging, constitutes a direct violation of the principles laid down under the Model Code of Conduct.”
The complaint also referred to campaign materials allegedly containing “false claims and deceptive representations aimed at confusing voters,” adding that such efforts “exploit public sentiment and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.”
Urging swift intervention, the TMC appealed to the poll body to take stringent action.
“We request the Commission to take immediate and exemplary action against the individuals concerned to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process,” the letter said, warning that “failure to act decisively may embolden further violations.”
The party has sought removal of the scheme-related materials, penal action against those involved, and stricter monitoring of campaign activities to prevent recurrence.
The Election Commission has not yet issued an official response. The BJP, too, has not reacted to the allegations so far.