New Delhi – As the Maharashtra assembly elections draw near, the Congress party is strategizing to outdo the BJP-led Mahayuti government’s recent initiative aimed at women voters. The Congress plans to offer a more substantial financial incentive to women, challenging the BJP-Sena-NCP combine’s ‘Ladli Behna’ scheme, which promises ₹1,500 per month.
Background and Political Context
Following the Mahayuti alliance’s heavy losses in the recent Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, the BJP-Sena-NCP coalition introduced the ‘Ladli Behna’ scheme to regain favor among women voters. This tactic has proven successful in other states, notably with the BJP’s similar schemes in Madhya Pradesh and Congress’s responses in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.
Congress’s Strategy
Congress sources suggest that the party views the BJP’s detailed announcement of the ₹1,500 monthly limit as a strategic error. “By setting a ceiling, the BJP has inadvertently given us an opportunity to promise a higher amount,” a Congress strategist explained. The Congress plans to leverage this by promising a more generous payout, resonating with voters who have already shown support for such initiatives.
Lessons from the Past
The Congress party is determined not to repeat past mistakes. In the 2023 Madhya Pradesh elections, then Congress president Kamal Nath prematurely disclosed a similar financial promise, prompting the incumbent BJP government to increase its existing payouts and eventually win the elections. Learning from this, Congress aims to time their announcement for maximum impact and avoid giving the BJP a chance to counter in advance.
Rahul Gandhi’s Role
The Congress campaign in Maharashtra is expected to highlight issues of economic favoritism, with a focus on alleged undue benefits to prominent industrialists. Rahul Gandhi is anticipated to kickstart the campaign, with plans to participate in the Pandharpur Yatra later this month, echoing his criticisms from the Lok Sabha results campaign.
Impact on Women Voters
The targeted financial incentives are part of a broader strategy to secure the support of women voters, a critical demographic in the upcoming elections. By promising a higher payout than the ‘Ladli Behna’ scheme, Congress hopes to present itself as the more generous and committed party to women’s welfare.
Broader Implications
This development is part of a wider political playbook where direct cash transfers to women have become a significant electoral promise. Both BJP and Congress have utilized this strategy with varying degrees of success across different states. The outcome in Maharashtra could set the tone for similar strategies in other states heading towards elections.
Conclusion
As the Maharashtra elections approach, the political battle intensifies with Congress’s plans to offer a larger financial incentive to women, countering the BJP’s ‘Ladli Behna’ scheme. The next few weeks will be crucial as both parties unveil their final campaign strategies, vying for the support of a key voter base.
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