Kolkata, April 16 (NationPress) - The Trinamool Congress has formally submitted a complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI) against BJP leaders Smriti Irani, Suvendu Adhikari, and others for purportedly breaching the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and engaging in corrupt practices, along with offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

In a correspondence directed to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the state's Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal, the Trinamool Congress stated, "We wish to inform you that on April 15, 2026, Shri Suvendu Adhikari, Smt. Smriti Irani, and other BJP leaders, members, and workers announced a new initiative named 'Matrishakti Bhorsa Card'. They are pledging to transfer Rs 3,000 monthly directly into the accounts of cardholders and have been distributing forms for the scheme at various locations."

The party further expressed, "Such actions are serious infringements of the MCC and the regulations stipulated by the ECI. Under the guise of this announcement, women beneficiaries are being encouraged to fill and submit these forms, leading to monetary disbursements, either via direct bank transfers or cash payments."

The Trinamool Congress asserted, "The timing, nature, and manner of these disbursements clearly indicate that this is not merely a charitable gesture but a well-planned initiative aimed at swaying voters towards a specific political party during the election period."

On the previous day, BJP leader Smriti Irani visited Kolkata to launch and distribute the 'Matrishakti Bhorsa Card' to women in the city.

Following this event, the Trinamool Congress articulated, "Such behavior undermines the very essence of free and fair elections by compromising the voter's independence and disturbing the equitable landscape among competing political parties."

The party contended that these actions qualify as "corrupt practices" as defined by Section 123 of the RPA, 1951, and are subject to legal consequences under Sections 61(2)/173/174 of the BNS, 2023.

In its letter, the Trinamool Congress urged the ECI to issue show-cause notices to Suvendu Adhikari, Smriti Irani, and other BJP leaders, members, and workers regarding the mentioned MCC violations.

"We request immediate and stringent measures be taken against Shri Suvendu Adhikari, Smt. Smriti Irani, and other BJP leaders, members, and workers for their infringement of the Model Code of Conduct and the regulations established by the Election Commission of India, as well as for committing offenses under Sections 61(2)/173/174 of the BNS, 2023, and Section 123 of the RPA, 1951," stated the party.