Marya Shakil's banner
Marya Shakil's profile picture

Marya Shakil

@maryashakil191,459 subscribers

Managing Editor-India Today | Author | Recipient of Ramnath Goenka Award (Politics & Govt Category 2012, 2014) | Chevening Fellow | Cambridge Associate Alumnus

Videos

maryashakil's profile picture

The battle for women vote has found a new leash of life after Rahul Gandhi spoke of fighting Shakti in Hindu dharma. Despite Congress’s several attempts to explain what Rahul Gandhi meant, the BJP charge, led by none other than Prime Minister Modi has been unrelenting. The BJP alleged that Rahul Gandhi is not just anti-Hindu but also a misogynist. Not wanting to keep Rahul’s comments limited to the divine form of Shakti alone, the Prime Minister linked it to Nari Shakti and Bharat Mata. Today, stepping up the attack, the BJP ensured that the PM was welcomed by 11 Shakti Ammas in the Salem rally. On the face of it, it may appear mere symbolism but the political messaging can’t be overlooked. The PM has quickly positioned himself as one who revers and has worked for the empowerment of Nari Shakti as opposed to the Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, who wants to fight Shakti. Has the Congress played into the hands of BJP, once again? After all, the PM has assiduously nurtured the women vote block. Several of his social welfare programs, from Aawas to Ujjwala to Sauchalay, are all about women empowerment. The PM has specifically focused on pushing more women to be entrepreneurs. His Lakhpati Didi is an ambitious program. Besides, the Govt never tires recounting that 50% of all beneficiaries, across programs, are women. Legislating on women’s reservation bill or praising women scientists for the success of Chandrayaan3, have all been part of PM Modi’s political pitch. Given the context, it would be interesting to see how the fight for women’s vote shapes up in the days ahead. For now, the BJP and the PM have grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Marya Shakil

25,342 views • 2 years ago

No more content to load