In Bihar’s ongoing election season, women voters have emerged as the decisive factor that could determine the political outcome. At a recent rally in Matihani block of Begusarai district, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressed a notably female-dominated crowd, with women significantly outnumbering men—a rare sight in northern India’s political landscape.
Nitish Kumar’s big stake on women voters
This demographic shift carries weight. Bihar’s electorate comprises 53% men and 47% women, but female voter turnout consistently exceeds male participation, largely due to male outmigration. In the previous Assembly elections, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured victory by a mere 12,000 votes. A Centre for the Study of Developing Societies survey revealed that while most men supported the Mahagathbandhan, women voters predominantly backed the NDA.
Recognizing this critical support base, the Bihar government has distributed Rs 10,000 to 1.21 crore women out of 3.6 crore female voters under the Chief Minister Employment Scheme, with promises of an additional Rs 2 lakh for employment generation. The opposition has countered with the “Mai Bahin Yojana,” offering Rs 2,500 monthly to women.
The initiative appears significant given that a caste-based survey identified 94 lakh families earning below Rs 6,000 monthly. Dayawati Devi, a tea stall owner in Rachaiya village, explained: “With this Rs 10,000, women will educate their children or buy clothes. The government has given it in the name of employment, but it’s not necessary that we all use it for that purpose.”
Nitish Kumar on Women voter
At Nitish Kumar’s rally, women expressed mixed sentiments. One attendee stated: “We’ll vote for Nitishji because he’s given women the right to live freely. Earlier, women couldn’t step out at night. Now, the law listens to us.”
However, economic concerns persist. Another woman noted: “Gold prices are too high. The rich can buy, but how can people like us afford it for our daughters?”
Kumar’s two-decade focus on women’s empowerment includes 50% reservation in panchayats and urban bodies, and 35% in police. Bihar now leads the nation in female police representation. As the 2025 elections approach, women voters will once again prove pivotal in determining Bihar’s political direction.
In Bihar’s ongoing election season, women voters have emerged as the decisive factor that could determine the political outcome. At a recent rally in Matihani block of Begusarai district, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressed a notably female-dominated crowd, with women significantly outnumbering men—a rare sight in northern India’s political landscape.
This demographic shift carries weight. Bihar’s electorate comprises 53% men and 47% women, but female voter turnout consistently exceeds male participation, largely due to male outmigration. In the previous Assembly elections, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured victory by a mere 12,000 votes. A Centre for the Study of Developing Societies survey revealed that while most men supported the Mahagathbandhan, women voters predominantly backed the NDA.
Recognizing this critical support base, the Bihar government has distributed Rs 10,000 to 1.21 crore women out of 3.6 crore female voters under the Chief Minister Employment Scheme, with promises of an additional Rs 2 lakh for employment generation. The opposition has countered with the “Mai Bahin Yojana,” offering Rs 2,500 monthly to women.
The initiative appears significant given that a caste-based survey identified 94 lakh families earning below Rs 6,000 monthly. Dayawati Devi, a tea stall owner in Rachaiya village, explained: “With this Rs 10,000, women will educate their children or buy clothes. The government has given it in the name of employment, but it’s not necessary that we all use it for that purpose.”
Nitish Kumar on Women voter
At Nitish Kumar’s rally, women expressed mixed sentiments. One attendee stated: “We’ll vote for Nitishji because he’s given women the right to live freely. Earlier, women couldn’t step out at night. Now, the law listens to us.”
However, economic concerns persist. Another woman noted: “Gold prices are too high. The rich can buy, but how can people like us afford it for our daughters?”
Kumar’s two-decade focus on women’s empowerment includes 50% reservation in panchayats and urban bodies, and 35% in police. Bihar now leads the nation in female police representation. As the 2025 elections approach, women voters will once again prove pivotal in determining Bihar’s political direction.
