Indian society recognizes that social and economic decisions are taken only by men. Gender inequality is also believed to be a result of this ideology. But now the situation is changing. While announcing the election dates, the Election Commission had given such statistics that it tells the story of changing times. According to the commission, there are twelve states in the country where the number of female voters is higher than male voters. Although the commission did not say what changes the greater number of women has led to in those rulers, the last few elections have seen an increase in women's participation in the democratic process and a growing trend towards independent decision-making. (Loksabha Election 2024)
Political parties are those parts of the democratic and governance process that are not well regarded by a large section of the society. In social practice, the word 'politics' is also often taken in a negative sense. Therefore, the number of people who think that political parties are an inevitable evil of the democratic process is not small. But one truth has to be accepted that the ideology and outlook of the top leadership of the political parties is very deep and far-reaching. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new approach to India's traditional social and caste structure while launching the Vishkar Bharat Sankalp Yatra on 30 November; This can only be called foresight. Instead of the traditional Chaturvarna system, he created the identity of four castes namely 'woman', 'youth', 'garib' and 'kisan'. If we analyze the electoral process in depth, we will find that all these four categories are important factors influencing voting trends and issues. However, if we look at every election held after independence, it will be noticed that the political parties kept the poor, laborers and farmers in front of their eyes. But in technology and communication revolutionized India, women and youth have emerged as customers and consumers. If we look at the last few elections, more or less all the four classes have been influencing the election results through their participation.
It has been seen that women are the reason behind the victory of Bharatiya Janata Party in the last assembly elections of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh etc. A large number of women are included in the new category created by the election experts. The ideology that 'BJP has become the first choice of women' has come forward. Then other parties are ranked. But if we analyze the results of the Lok Sabha elections in the areas with high number of women voters and good gender ratio compared to men, it can be seen that BJP is leading. But it is not so far ahead of others that it will establish dominance over other parties.
According to Election Commission data, 143 Lok Sabha seats come from constituencies with relatively high female voters and gender equality. If we take the example of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, maximum number of BJP MPs should have been elected from these seats. But their number is only 40. Congress is second with 29 MPs in these seats with female dominance and fair gender ratio. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is third with 17 seats, while YSR Congress is fourth with ten MPs. Samyukt Janata Dal is fifth in the list with eight MPs. In the remaining 39 seats, MPs from other parties have been elected.
Women are definitely showing their independent thinking now. Now women are not voting for the parties and candidates preferred by the men in their household, but for their own preferred candidates and parties. A point to be noted here is that most of these women-dominated seats are in North East, East and South Indian states. Elections in most of these states are completed in the first to third round. Therefore, all the parties have put their strength to the test to attract women voters. Whether it is to promote the message in Bengal, an eastern Indian state, or to promote the cultural dignity of women in South India as they see fit, or to provide good governance to the North-Eastern states, the Bharatiya Janata Party is trying to come out ahead of other parties. Prime Minister Modi makes some promises in every meeting, which impresses the voters. Using the words 'mother-sister' in a unique style, 'women' are appealing to voters. While all this is going on, Amit Shah is not far behind. A woman leader was given the task of translating Amit Shah's Hindi speech at a road show in Tamil Nadu. Election experts are of the opinion that Amit Shah has tried to convey an excellent message to women. Why will Rahul Gandhi stay behind? They are also raising the issue of 'women's dignity' everywhere. Northeastern states have 25 seats dominated by women. In the last election, BJP won 21 seats. Last time Sharad Pawar's NCP and Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool tried to challenge him. With Pawar alone facing a political challenge due to internal strife and Mamata Banerjee focusing on West Bengal, neither party seems to be doing anything this time. The violence in Manipur is definitely creating an uneasy situation for the BJP. Congress is repeatedly raising the issue of Manipur. But Amit Shah has not only tried to reassure the people of Manipur by opposing the partition attempt, but has also promised the women voters there to create stability and satisfaction in their lives. Of course, there was a long struggle in Manipur, but it is also true that most of the movement there remained in the hands of women.
It is true that even in seats dominated by women, female voting alone does not affect election results. In each seat, other factors also influence voting for or against a particular candidate. So the result is affected. But it is also true that just as caste and religious groups are becoming vote banks in North India, women are also becoming vote banks now. That is why now political parties are also trying to pull women to their side. BJP and its leaders seem to be ahead in this contest. Aam Aadmi Party is also seen participating in this fight in states like Delhi, Punjab, this is a different story!
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