Bihar's recent election results have highlighted a compelling narrative: the significant role women voters played in the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) victory. Often referred to as 'silent' gamechangers, women's participation in the electoral process has surged, impacting the outcome in a way that cannot be ignored.
One of the most striking aspects of this election was the extraordinary turnout of women voters. In several districts, women outvoted men by a significant margin, exceeding 14 percentage points in seven districts. Kishanganj recorded the highest gender gap, with a 19.5% difference, followed by Madhubani, Gopalganj, Araria, Darbhanga, and Madhepura. Similar trends were observed in other districts like Siwan, Purnea, and Samastipur, where women surpassed men by over 10 points. Overall, 71.6% of women voted compared to 62.98% of men. In fact, more than 2.5 crore women cast their votes, outnumbering male voters.
This increase in women's voter turnout can be attributed to several factors. Bihar has seen a rise in women's political participation, and since 2010, female voter turnout has often surpassed that of men. The Nitish Kumar government's policies aimed at women's empowerment have also played a crucial role. Initiatives such as providing free bicycles to schoolgirls, reservations in jobs and local bodies, the Jeevika Didi program, and liquor bans have encouraged more women to participate in voting.
The "dashazari" scheme, or Mahila Rojgar Yojana, which provides women entrepreneurs with ₹10,000, appears to have further incentivized women to vote for the NDA. The 'Lakhpati Didi' program, designed to promote women's entrepreneurship, also contributed to this surge in female support. During the campaign, NDA leaders framed the election as a choice between the "dashazari chunaav" and a return to a "katta sarkar," referencing the lawlessness associated with previous RJD regimes. This resonated strongly with women voters, who prioritize safety and security.
Political analysts have observed that women in Bihar are increasingly voting beyond traditional identity and caste lines. This election seems to have solidified the emergence of women as a distinct vote bank. The NDA effectively capitalized on this trend, reminding women of the past law-and-order issues and emphasizing the positive changes they have experienced under the Nitish Kumar government through social and economic empowerment.
The Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] has particularly benefited from this surge in women's votes. In the 2020 election, the NDA won on the strength of women voters. The JD(U) has historically had a high success rate in seats where women outvote men, winning a significant number of such seats in past elections.
While the Mahagathbandhan (MGB) found support among youth, the NDA secured a clear lead among women voters. This gender gap proved decisive, with women backing the NDA by a significant margin. The NDA's campaign, which focused on social welfare, gender issues, and aspirations, seems to have resonated well with women voters in Bihar. The election results underscore the importance of addressing women's concerns and aspirations in Indian politics. As women's political participation continues to rise, their role in shaping electoral outcomes will only grow stronger.
