‘₹3,000 for votes?’ Mamata Banerjee accuses Nirmala Sitharaman, seeks EC action over poll breach

Kolkata, April 16: A fresh political storm has erupted in poll-bound West Bengal after Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee levelled explosive allegations against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accusing her of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by allegedly facilitating direct cash transfers to women voters.

Addressing an election rally, Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the BJP leadership, claiming that distributing financial benefits during the enforcement of the MCC amounts to “open bribery” and a serious subversion of democratic norms.

She urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take immediate and stringent action against Sitharaman and other BJP leaders involved.

The controversy centres around the distribution of ‘Matri Shakti Guarantee Cards’ by Sitharaman and BJP leaders on Wednesday.

The cards reportedly promise ₹3,000 to be credited directly into the bank accounts of women beneficiaries. The TMC has alleged that this move is a calculated attempt to influence voters ahead of polling.

“Why now? Why not before elections?” Mamata questioned, alleging that new bank accounts are being opened and money is being deployed strategically to sway women voters. She further warned that such promises are nothing more than “vote gimmicks” designed to mislead the electorate.

Taking her attack a step further, Banerjee questioned the neutrality of the Election Commission, alleging a pattern of selective action.

“The law should be equal for all. Why is it that complaints against the BJP are ignored while action is swiftly taken against the TMC?” she asked, raising concerns over the credibility of the poll watchdog.

In a pointed remark, the Chief Minister said that while she respects the office of the Prime Minister, she cannot remain silent when people are being misled.

She directly appealed to the ECI to initiate proceedings against the Finance Minister, accusing her of misusing her position during an active election period.

The BJP, however, is yet to issue a detailed response to the allegations. Party insiders have maintained that welfare initiatives aimed at empowering women are part of their governance agenda and not linked to electoral inducements.

The row has added a dramatic twist to an already high-voltage election campaign in West Bengal, where political rhetoric has intensified in the run-up to polling.

With Banerjee framing the issue as a “cash-for-votes” scandal, all eyes are now on the Election Commission to see whether it intervenes or lets the controversy escalate further.

As the battle sharpens, the controversy threatens to dominate the narrative, potentially influencing voter sentiment in a tightly contested electoral landscape.