Last Updated:
In the first phase of polling, women voters were 69.04%, while in the second, they were 79.04%
Compared to 56% in 2020, the number of women voters has risen sharply. (Representational image)
Once again, women have shown the way, and, according to figures released by the Election Commission, they could decide the fate of the parties in the battle for Bihar. As per the poll body, women voters were 71.6%, while men accounted for 62.8% of the total votes cast.
In the first phase, women voters were 69.04%, while in the second, they were 79.04%.
There are two reasons why women came out in large numbers to vote. One is the money and economic empowerment promised by both sides. Tejashwi Yadav, for example, has promised a dole of Rs 30,000 to women, plus sops and permanent benefits to self-help groups of women or Jeevika Didis. Meanwhile, chief minister Nitish Kumar, who has gained power riding high on the women voters also impressed with the Narendra Modi factor, has announced many schemes in their manifesto, like one crore Lakhpati Didis and financial aid up to Rs 2 lakh.
But it’s not just money and economic empowerment that could be the key.
Law and order has emerged as an important point, which could explain the high voter turnout. The BJP successfully pitched that a vote for former chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav’s son Tejashwi as CM would mean a return of “jungle raj” (lawlessness). Women who felt safe under Nitish’s rule, young women stepping out, starting their own businesses, and studying, would be forced to stay home. This also instilled fear among mothers that their daughters might not be safe. If this has worked, it means women were determined to step out and vote to ensure that safety became the key factor, apart from economic empowerment.
The Mahagathbandhan perhaps saw this coming. This is why Tejashwi repeatedly made the point that he should be given a chance and that he would ensure zero tolerance for crime.
The Congress also made a last-ditch attempt to win over women. In the last few days of the campaign, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was brought in to appeal to women, asking them if they could trust the Nitish government with their safety.
Compared to 56% in 2020, the number of women voters has risen sharply.
No longer are the women of Bihar willing to be dictated by the men of the house as to who they should vote for.
Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als…Read More
Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als… Read More
November 11, 2025, 23:07 IST
Read More
