Political parties in Maharashtra are increasing their focus on women voters ahead of the upcoming elections. This change in strategy comes as more women are participating in the voting process. This makes them an important group of voters.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, 59% of registered women voters cast their ballots in Maharashtra, while 63% of men voted. Although a gap remains, it has narrowed over the years. In 2004, only 51% of women voters participated, while 58% of men voted.
By 2014, the percentage of women voters increased to 55%. In 2019, the gap between male and female voter turnout decreased to 3.75%.
The Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a women-centric scheme, might impact on a large number of female voters. In Maharashtra, the scheme could reportedly affect 2 crore women. A lot of them are registered voters.
If the government successfully enrolls all eligible women, up to 56% of female voters may benefit from the program, which could play a key role in shaping the election results.
This scheme is based on the Ladli Behna Yojana, which helped the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secure a win in the December 2023 Madhya Pradesh elections. The Madhya Pradesh scheme provided INR 1250 per month to women who met certain age and income criteria.
Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, has also promised to double the monthly payments if his party is re-elected.
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