Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a virtual interaction with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) women workers in Bihar on Tuesday as part of the party’s strategic ‘Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot’ campaign. During the address, the Prime Minister issued a specific directive: the women electors must be encouraged to cast their votes in large numbers in the upcoming assembly election.
Modi used the address to reaffirm the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government’s dedication to empowering women and improving their ease of living. He cited tangible government efforts, including plans to reduce electricity expenses and initiatives to launch metro services in several cities across Bihar.
The Strategic Importance of Women Voters
The Prime Minister’s special focus on women voters is highly strategic, as they—along with youth voters—hold significant sway in the state’s path to power.
- Historical Edge: Data from the last three assembly elections shows a clear trend: the turnout of women voters has consistently been higher than that of men.
- In 2020, 59.69% of women voted, surpassing the male turnout of 54.45%.
- The widest gap was seen in 2015, where women recorded a 60.48% turnout compared to 53.32% for men.
- Even in 2010, 54.49% of women participated, against 51.12% of men.
- New Directive: To capitalize on this trend, Modi specifically instructed the party’s booth-level workers, known as Panna Pramukhs, to ensure that the women listed in their respective electoral sections (Pannas) cast their votes first, aiming for a record-breaking turnout.
Confident Victory Prediction and Attack on Opposition
The Prime Minister was unequivocally confident about the NDA’s electoral prospects, claiming the people of Bihar have already decided the outcome.
“I have seen this election closely, and one thing I can say is that the NDA is winning this election with a huge majority,” Modi declared. “I have no doubt about NDA’s victory. The people of Bihar have made up their mind that this time they are going to make the NDA victorious and break the record of the last 20 years.”
He further motivated the women workers by asserting that the development of Bihar is only possible under the NDA’s leadership and sharply criticized the opposition RJD and Congress. He warned, “The people of ‘jungle raj’ will see their biggest defeat.”