In the Matihani block of Begusarai district, Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was holding a rally. The turnout was massive, with more women than men. Many women even brought their children along. It was claimed that a large number of members from women's self-help groups were present. When CM Nitish took the stage, it was clear from the enthusiastic reception that this was his voter base.
Large female turnouts are still unusual in political rallies, especially in North India. This was evident one day before Nitish's rally during a joint rally in Katihar with Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, where only a handful of women were present. Many women left after Tejashwi's speech, and organizers had to urge them to stay for Rahul's speech. In fact, women's votes are expected to be decisive in Bihar's elections, particularly when the last election saw just a 12,000-vote difference between the ruling NDA and the opposition Grand Alliance.
According to a survey by CSDS, in the 2020 Bihar elections, most men supported the Grand Alliance, while a majority of women voters backed the NDA. Statistically, for every 100 voters in the state, the number of men is 53 and women 47. Since the 2010 assembly elections, women's voter turnout has consistently surpassed that of men. One reason given is that many male voters move to other states or cities in search of employment.
This apparent slight edge among female voters often pushes the NDA to victory. CM Nitish, recognizing this, leaves no stone unturned to strengthen his rapport with female voters. Out of 36 million women on Bihar’s voter list, 12.1 million received 10,000 rupees under the government’s Chief Minister Employment Scheme, with promises of up to 200,000 rupees. The opposing Grand Alliance has pledged 2,500 rupees monthly to women through their 'My-Sister Scheme'.
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Tejashwi Accuses of Copying Promises
Tejashwi Yadav, the Grand Alliance's CM candidate, accused the NDA of copying promises and attempting vote-buying with cash handouts, claiming this tactic won't work. The Grand Alliance’s CPI (M-L) Secretary Deepankar Bhattacharya remarked that Nitish’s scheme aims to maintain his voter base among women, asserting that many women are trapped in microfinance loans, and most funds will likely go towards debt repayment rather than employment generation.
Women Express Displeasure at Nitish's Rally
Dayawati Devi, who runs a small tea shop in Rachaiya village, said plainly that women would either buy clothes or educate their children with the 10,000 rupees. She added that although the money is intended for employment, it’s not necessary for all to use it as such. Women attending Nitish's rally voiced their frustration over rising inflation, not just concerning essentials but also gold prices.
The women stated that the price of 10 grams of gold had reached 130,000 rupees, making it difficult to contemplate buying for their daughters' marriages. Nevertheless, most women stated they would vote for Nitish Kumar, citing the freedom and rights he has granted them. One confident woman expressed how previously, women couldn't venture out at night, which has changed under Nitish's rule.
Another woman mentioned they wouldn’t have to rely on men in case of trouble, as they are now capable of facing challenges independently. Nitish Kumar provided them with rights, security, and confidence. Another woman added that while gold prices are very high, those without means face difficulties, hoping for price reductions. She highlighted the struggle of earning daily wages and the impracticality of buying gold.
Khesari Lal Yadav's Attack on NDA
A woman also mentioned people in need not receiving housing and water while those with multi-story homes do. She stated they would vote for those who provide them homes. Concerning the 10,000 rupee assistance, she claimed not receiving a single rupee yet. Notably, 9.4 million families in Bihar earn less than 6,000 rupees monthly, according to a caste-economic survey, making the 10,000 rupees a significant amount.
Deep Connection Between Female Voters and Nitish
Looking back, CM Nitish has fostered a deep connection with female voters over the last two decades, frequently reminding them with policies like 50% reservation in panchayat and urban bodies and 35% in police. Female police presence is a feature of his rallies, making Bihar the state with the highest proportion of female police officers.
Tejashwi's Big Announcement
Nitish Kumar often retorts against opponents, highlighting that during Lalu Yadav's time, women couldn't step out after dark, achieving little but making his wife the chief minister. Indian Express’s contributor Neerja Chowdhury, on a weekly News Tak program, noted that women’s confidence soared after joining the police force. Once hesitant to leave home, they are now maintaining law and order.
Nitish's 20-Year Tenure
Excluding a short stint by Jitan Ram Manjhi post-2014 elections, Nitish Kumar has been Chief Minister for about 20 years, alternating alliances between BJP and RJD, continuously being part of the winning combination since the 2005 elections.
In jest, Indian Express senior assistant editor Santosh Singh compared Nitish Kumar to Bhishma Pitamah from Mahabharata, blessed with longevity in leadership.
Now, the question remains—what will happen in the 2025 Bihar elections?
