Lok Sabha election: Congress banks on ‘silent’ women beneficiaries of guarantee schemes

The role of women voters and their impact on the election results of 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka is being keenly watched. While the Congress seems to be confident of securing their support from the guarantee schemes, the Opposition BJP is pushing the “Modi Ki Guarantee” narrative of development.

The role of women voters and their impact on the election results of 28 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka is being keenly watched. While the Congress seems to be confident of securing their support from the guarantee schemes, the Opposition BJP is pushing the “Modi Ki Guarantee” narrative of development.

Women voters outnumber men in 17 Lok Sabha constituencies, and are being seen as silent electors with an independent choice in most cases.

Though political affiliation, patriarchal set up, caste and community considerations among others, normally dictate the choices, guarantee benefits coming as a relief during the time of price rise are being seen as among the biggest influences on the voting pattern among women this election.

Political insiders across the spectrum believe that women were among the biggest chunk who voted for the BJP in 2019.

In Karnataka, of the total 5.42 crore voters (as on March 16), 2.7 crore or nearly 50% are women, and the gender ratio in the electoral roll has been 999.

As many as 1.23 crore women, of the total eligible 1.33 crore, are direct beneficiaries of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, with monthly government assistance of ₹2,000, and women also benefit from Shakti, the free travel scheme for women in public transport.

Besides, the families benefit from the Gruha Jyothi (free electricity up to 200 units), the Anna Bhagya (₹170 per person/month), and the Yuva Nidhi, the scholarship scheme.