Ladki Bahin: A game changer for Mahayuti in upcoming elections?

Nagpur: Whilst the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP govt harbours substantial expectations from the Maazi Ladki Bahin Yojana, there remains considerable suspense regarding the scheme's potential impact on party vote shares. A cross section of voters and political activists across urban and rural regions in Vidarbha expressed divergent viewpoints regarding the scheme's electoral impact, albeit with unanimous acknowledgement of the scheme's merit.According to RTI data procured by Ajay Bose of Badnera (Amravati), on November 12, 2024, the state had dispensed Rs18,525 crore from July to November 2024 under the scheme. The women and child welfare department disclosed that whilst 2.63 crore women sought the scheme's benefit, 2.47 crore were deemed eligible. Each beneficiary received Rs1,500 monthly via DBT over five months.The Mahayuti has promised to hike the amount from Rs1,500 per month to Rs2,100. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) also did not oppose the scheme and promised to dole out Rs3,000 monthly to women if voted to power. On the lines of Madhya Pradesh, from where the scheme was replicated, the Mahayuti hopes to retain power. However, even as substantial queues of women from underprivileged sections were witnessed at polling booths in the region, it was impossible to make out whether it was for Mahayuti's Ladki Bahin Yojana or in favour of MVA's Rs3,000 promise.In the region, women came out in large numbers to vote. In Chandrapur, the number of women voters who voted (6 lakh) was more than male voters (5.92 lakh). Similarly, in Akola district, of the total voters who cast votes, 55% were women. Huge queues were witnessed at polling booths in Nagpur, Wardha, and Amravati districts. In Nagpur, women from informal settlements, shanties, and slums indicated significant ‘Ladki Bahin' turnout. The scheme's actual influence shall become apparent on November 23 when the results come out."We came out to exercise our vote. Ladki Bahin apart, we will vote for the candidate who will fight for us in need," said Shafugta Anjum, a voter from Chandrapur. Many middle-class women voters said they came out to vote to exercise their rights. Domestic help Lata Kamble from Rajendra Nagar slum said, "Ladki Bahin has helped me a lot in distress. Apart from a meagre salary from household work, Rs1,500 has been added to my monthly income. I will vote for Mahayuti."BJP candidate and incumbent MLA from East Nagpur Krishna Khopde said, "The scheme serves as a catalyst, bringing women voters to support BJP. My victory margin shall increase by at least 5% due to the scheme. Other candidates shall forfeit their deposits."Congress leader Vijay Tanaji Wanve countered, "Despite being beneficial, the scheme's impact remains limited. Khopde's advantage stems from the absence of Congress candidate, and unfamiliarity with ‘Tutari', MVA candidate Duneshwar Pethe's symbol.""The ruling coalition shall benefit as numerous beneficiaries from settlements like Pardi, Minimata Nagar, Dipty Signal, and Kalamna supported them," observed Suresh Shahkar, a newspaper vendor from Pardi whose family benefited. Digamber Lanjewar, a saloon proprietor from Bharat Nagar, concurred, "Apart from Ladki Bahin, the pre-election distribution of utensils to domestic workers was an additional factor."Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Guddu Rahangdale believes there is minimal effect of the scheme benefits in the city. In East Nagpur, he cited unfamiliarity with the ‘Tutari' symbol and Hindi-speaking voters' saffron party preference as the probable reason for Khopde's victory despite anti-incumbency. AAP leader Pratap Goswami emphasized, "The scheme's urban impact remains modest, whilst rural areas consider Rs1,500 insufficient amidst rising inflation. Caste predominantly influenced constituencies."Subhash Maitre, former sarpanch and agriculturist from Pulgaon-Deoli, Wardha, maintains, "Ladli Bahin's impact remains negligible as agricultural concerns, including unfulfilled MSP and fertilizer cost promises, persist."
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