There is one set of statistics that poll managers in both the BJP and the Congress in Madhya Pradesh have pinned their hopes would come out in support for them, the 2.78 crore women voters in the state. Both the BJP and the Congress in Madhya Pradesh have cottoned on the unmistakeable electoral trend in India of not just women coming out in larger numbers to vote (in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, women came out in larger numbers than male voters), but also, increasingly they are a distinct voice with a vote preference that may or may not be the same as the men in their households.
The Congress and the BJP both announced income support schemes for women a few months ago, in big rallies signalling their intent, an event that Congress strategists now feel was akin to jumping the gun. “We should have waited to announce it later in the campaign as the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government was quick to take on the idea and implement it before the model code of conduct could kick in to place,” said a senior Congress leader involved in the party’s campaign in the state. Nevertheless, the Congress promises to provide ₹1500 per month in income support for women and gas cylinders for ₹500. The BJP government meanwhile announced the Ladli Behena scheme and has in the last few months hiked the support provided from ₹1000 per month to ₹1250 per month with a promise to hike it to ₹3000 gradually.
Also read: Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s new schemes make the Congress think on its feet in Madhya Pradesh
