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News India Live, Digital Desk: The bugle of by-election has been sounded in Ghatshila assembly seat of Jharkhand and with this the political activities have intensified. Winning this seat, which fell vacant after the death of JMM MLA Ramdas Soren, has become a question of prestige for all the parties. But who will be victorious in this electoral battle is going to be decided by the women voters of Ghatshila and the ambitious ‘Maiya Samman Yojana’ of the state government.
Why are women ‘kingmakers’?
If we look at the election data of Ghatshila assembly constituency, the role of women voters becomes very important here. In this seat, the number of female voters (about 1.38 lakh) is slightly more than the male voters (about 1.35 lakh). But it is not just about numbers. In the last few elections, a trend has been seen that women show more enthusiasm to vote than men. Their voting percentage is often better than men. This is the reason why from JMM to BJP and AJSU, all the parties are leaving no stone unturned to woo women voters.
Will ‘Maiya Samman Yojana’ become JMM’s Brahmastra?
‘Anganwadi Chalo, Maiyan Samman Yojana’ can prove to be the biggest trump card for JMM in this by-election. Under this scheme, the government provides nutritious food, health check-up and financial assistance to pregnant and new mothers through Anganwadi centres. Women are getting direct benefits of this scheme in rural areas, especially in tribal dominated areas.
JMM hopes that the women beneficiaries of this scheme will vote in their favor. Party leaders are continuously mentioning this scheme in their campaign and presenting it by linking it with the dignity and health of women.
What are the opposition’s bets?
On the other hand, the opposition (BJP and AJSU) is in the fray regarding other schemes and local issues of the Hemant Soren government. They are trying to corner the government on the issues of law and order, corruption and local development. The opposition is also keeping its eyes on the women voters and they are trying to make them understand that the area cannot be developed with just one scheme.
One thing is certain, on which side the election camel of Ghatshila will sit, it will largely depend on whom the women put their trust in. Will she give respect to JMM instead of ‘Maiyan Samman’, or vote for change? Only the election results will answer this.