On Poila Baisakh, the BJP launched the symbolic Matri Shakti Bharosha Card in Kolkata, promising Rs 3,000 monthly financial assistance to every woman in West Bengal if voted to power. Five BJP women received the cards. The TMC alleged it violates the model code of conduct.
In Kolkata, the BJP distributed symbolic Matri Shakti Bharosha Cards on Poila Baisakh, the Bengali New Year. The cards represent a manifesto promise of Rs 3,000 monthly aid to every woman in West Bengal, countering the TMC's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. The event featured BJP leaders Smriti Irani, Suvendu Adhikari, and candidate Rupa Ganguly.
Adhikari stated, "We have to save the Bengali culture and language... Our manifesto is 'Bhoi out, Bharasha in'." Irani criticised the TMC government on women's safety, recalling struggles to implement one-stop centres in Bengal during her tenure as Minister for Women and Child Development. She mentioned over 900 such centres nationwide and referenced the RG Kar rape and murder case.
The TMC accused the launch of being a "gross violation" of the Model Code of Conduct. State minister Shashi Panja told reporters, "This is a violation of the MCC... We protest against this." She noted similar unfulfilled BJP promises in Delhi and claimed the party is in panic mode ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
