BJP promises Rs 3,000 monthly aid to women, Smriti Irani launches Matrishakti card

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up its outreach to women voters in West Bengal, promising a monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 if voted to power, even as questions persist over the scope and implementation of the scheme.

At a Press conference on Wednesday, BJP leader Smriti Irani sought to dispel confusion surrounding the party’s poll promise, asserting that the benefit would be extended to all women in the state without discrimination. “There will be no distinction. Every woman in Bengal will receive Rs 3,000 per month. This is BJP’s resolve,” she said. The clarification comes against the backdrop of the party’s election manifesto, which mentions financial assistance for women belonging to lower and lower-middle-income groups. The apparent discrepancy had triggered debate over whether the scheme would mirror the state government’s ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ initiative or remain restricted to specific economic categories.

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During the event, Irani, flanked by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and BJP leader Rupa Ganguly, unveiled the ‘Matrishakti Bharosa Card’, symbolising the party’s commitment to women-centric welfare. Five women were handed over the cards as part of the launch. The BJP’s women’s wing has already begun distributing the cards door-to-door in several areas, including Durgapur East, where members are collecting personal details such as names, addresses, and phone numbers of prospective beneficiaries.

Political observers, however, note that while the announcement is aimed at consolidating women voters, ambiguities remain. The manifesto’s wording and the latest assertion by Irani appear to be at variance, raising questions about fiscal feasibility and eligibility criteria. Analysts suggest that clarity on funding and execution may only emerge after the election results.

Meanwhile, signs of organisational discord surfaced during Irani’s visit to Chinsurah in Hooghly district today. A ‘Nababarsha Sankhanad’ rally, organised by the BJP, began later than scheduled from near the party’s district office. Sources indicated that Irani expressed displeasure over the delay and the absence of key district leaders. Notably, the Hooghly organisational district BJP president Gautam Chattopadhyay was absent from the programme, and Irani reportedly left midway through the procession. Though she arrived at the venue, she did not address the scheduled public meeting at Ghari More, leading to disappointment among party workers, who had gathered in large numbers under the scorching sun. BJP candidate Subir Nag later stated that Irani had to leave due to prior commitments, but acknowledged that cadres were disheartened by her absence from the rally.

In her absence, Nag formally initiated the ‘Annapurna Bhandar’ scheme locally, reiterating the party’s promise of monthly financial support to women if it forms the government in the state.