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Competitive Welfare Schemes and Coalition Politics in Bihar Polls

Source:The Hindu ↗

Why It Matters

The article highlights two major contemporary trends in Indian polity: the rising prominence of women as a distinct and decisive voting bloc courted through 'competitive welfarism', and the continuing importance of alliance negotiations in regional coalition politics.

Summary

As Bihar approaches its Assembly elections, political parties are heavily courting female voters through targeted welfare measures and promises, including the launch of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana and opposition promises of land ownership for women. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's two-day visit underscores the complexities of coalition politics and seat-sharing negotiations within the NDA. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India is preparing to announce the poll schedule, which will bring the Model Code of Conduct into force.

Key Points

  • Political strategies increasingly target women as an independent electoral demographic through specific welfare schemes and asset-ownership promises.
  • The Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana involves a direct benefit transfer of ₹10,000 to women, while the opposition has promised land ownership in the name of the woman of the family.
  • Coalition politics remains central to state elections, with national parties undertaking extensive negotiations with regional allies over seat distribution.
  • The Election Commission of India dictates the electoral timeline, with the announcement of dates impending to conclude the process before November 22.
Linked PYQs · 4

Linked PYQs · 4

  • 2023MainsGS2

    Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women's effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.

  • 2021MainsGS2

    “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal." Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu?

  • 2022MainsGS2

    Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.

  • 2022MainsGS2

    “While the national political parties in India favour centralisation, the regional parties are in favour of State autonomy.” Comment.