Introduction
The recent electoral victories of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh have underscored a significant shift in the political landscape, particularly among women voters. Beyond the conventional factors like charismatic leadership, Hindutva messaging, organizational efficiency, and financial prowess, the BJP's success is increasingly tied to a fifth "M" – Mahila, or women. This article delves into the multifaceted strategies employed by the BJP, examining key government initiatives, Modi's leadership style, and the unique role of women in shaping the party's narrative.
The Electoral Landscape: Beyond Ballot Boxes
The BJP's dominance in the three Hindi Belt states reflects not only at the ballot box but also in the active participation of women in electoral events, rallies, and sustained engagement between elections. This surge in women's involvement is a notable trend, especially in the "Hindi heartland," where women are gradually narrowing the gender gap in voter turnout.
Exit polls, such as those conducted by Axis My-India, reveal a remarkable gender advantage for the BJP. In states like Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, the party enjoys a 7 and 12 percentage point lead among women, showcasing a departure from its traditional image rooted in muscular Hindu nationalism.
Seva as a Political Mantra
The BJP's success narrative is intricately woven around the concept of "seva" or selfless service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strategically embraced this theme, permeating the party's messaging, events, and grassroots activities. From Seva Saptah to Covid-relief programs named Seva hi Sangathan, the BJP has embedded the concept of seva into its political fabric.
This unique approach extends to the ground level, where women's wings like the Mahila Morcha play a pivotal role in organizing various activities framed as seva. These include medical camps, blood donation drives, cleanliness initiatives, tree plantation, and wildlife conservation efforts. Importantly, these seva-based initiatives bridge the gap between traditional gender roles and the increasing involvement of women in politics.
Feminizing Politics: Lessons from History
The emphasis on seva goes beyond mere political gestures; it becomes a tool to make political participation acceptable to families that might otherwise resist women entering the public sphere. In a social context where party politics is often considered "dirty" and unsuitable for women, framing political engagement as a form of service aligns with traditional expectations of women as selfless and self-sacrificing.
Drawing parallels from history, Mahatma Gandhi's use of seva in the nationalist movement provides a valuable lesson. By aligning the struggle for independence with seva-based ideals, Gandhi broke the divide between the private and public spheres, offering women a socially acceptable avenue for political engagement.
Government Initiatives Empowering Women
To understand the BJP's success among women, it's crucial to examine specific government initiatives aimed at women's welfare and empowerment. These schemes not only address pressing issues but also play a pivotal role in shaping the party's appeal.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to address the declining child sex ratio through multi-sectoral efforts. The campaign, accompanied by social media movements like #SelfieWithDaughter, seeks to combat gender bias against girls.
Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): Under this initiative, rural women are empowered through skill development and support services. The program focuses on training, awareness generation, community engagement, support services, and gender sensitization.
One Stop Centre Scheme: Aimed at offering comprehensive support to women facing violence, this initiative provides emergency response services, medical assistance, legal aid, counseling, and shelter under one roof.
Ujjwala Yojana: Launched in 2016, this scheme provides LPG connections to women in Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. With its widespread impact and positive reception, the Ujjwala Yojana has significantly improved access to cleaner cooking fuels, especially in rural areas.
Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme: Focused on providing daycare services to children aged 6 months to 6 years, this initiative supports working mothers and promotes early childhood development.
Self-Help Group (SHG): The concept of SHGs, serving as financial intermediaries, has empowered women by fostering financial independence. These groups, often affiliated with banks, facilitate micro-credit and savings activities.
Nari Shakti Puraskar: This annual accolade recognizes individual women or institutions dedicated to advancing women's empowerment, standing as the highest civilian honor for women in India.
Narendra Modi's Leadership and Women-Centric Policies
The role of leadership, especially that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cannot be understated in the BJP's success among women. Modi's dual approach, projecting himself as an assertive leader while emphasizing women-centric initiatives, has played a pivotal role in securing female support.
The Prime Minister's emphasis on women's issues during campaign rallies, combining a masculine image with a focus on women-centric policies, has been instrumental in garnering female support. Modi's speeches consistently highlight issues that resonate with women, reflecting a deliberate effort to include gender-focused topics in public addresses.
The BJP's outreach to women dates back to 1980 with the establishment of a women's wing. However, the transformation that led to significant female voter support occurred in 2019. This shift can be traced back to Modi's tenure as Gujarat's chief minister, where he strategically combined a masculine image with a focus on women-centric policies.
Structural Reforms and Welfare Schemes
The BJP's appeal among women also stems from structural reforms and welfare schemes that specifically target rural and economically disadvantaged women. The party made significant strides in promoting female representation in politics, fielding more female candidates and appointing more female ministers in the 2019 elections than previous governments.
Government efforts in providing property rights, sanitation facilities, financial inclusion through bank accounts, and direct benefits to women have contributed to the BJP's support base among women voters. Despite imperfections in these schemes, they have significantly impacted women's lives, contributing to their continued support for the BJP.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While Modi's charisma and welfare policies currently sustain female backing, there are potential challenges on the horizon. As Modi ages and economic issues, communal tensions, and other concerns persist, the loyalty of women voters could be tested. Women, who manage households and witness the impact of governance, may shift their allegiance if these concerns are not adequately addressed.
Conclusion
The BJP's success story among women voters is a nuanced interplay of political strategy, leadership charisma, and targeted welfare initiatives. The party's departure from traditional Hindu nationalism to embrace a more inclusive approach has significantly contributed to its gender advantage. The concept of seva, strategically woven into the party's narrative, has played a crucial role in making political engagement more acceptable to women and their families.
As the BJP navigates the political landscape leading up to the 2024 elections, understanding the intricate dynamics of women's political agency and representation will be crucial. The party's success provides valuable insights for other political entities, emphasizing the need to go beyond conventional campaign promises and welfarism to address the deeper societal nuances that shape women's political choices. The future of female support towards the BJP remains a dynamic and evolving aspect, contingent on how the party adapts to changing circumstances and addresses the multifaceted concerns of women across the nation.
Comments