Photo by Freysteinn G. Jonsson on Unsplash
As the Bihar assembly elections draw nearer, the political parties are intensifying their efforts to connect with voters across the state. In a notable move aimed at boosting its support base, particularly among a crucial demographic area; the Congress party in Bihar has revealed a distinctive initiative focused on women. This strategy exceeds traditional campaigning, weaving together welfare promises with a direct form of outreach.
Recently, the Bihar Congress leadership announced a new campaign designed to reach approximately five lakh women throughout the state. This initiative involves the distribution of sanitary pads, a product of essential personal hygiene which will distinctively feature images of prominent party figures, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. This seemingly unconventional approach serves a dual purpose that it aims to de-stigmatize a vital health product while simultaneously acting as a carrier for the party's message and a significant welfare promise.
Accompanying each packet of sanitary pads will be details of a new proposed scheme which includes the 'Mai Behan Maan Yojana'. Under this initiative, the Congress party is promising a monthly financial aid of Rs 2,500 to women. Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Ram, who announced a crucial meeting with district presidents had emphasised the broader implications of this program. He stated that this endeavour is not merely about providing financial assistance but is fundamentally about "restoring dignity and empowerment to the women of Bihar." This sentiment underscores a strategic move towards addressing both material needs and the often-overlooked aspect of social respect and autonomy for women. The campaign, to be executed in close coordination with the Mahila Congress (the party's women's wing), highlights a concentrated effort to engage women voters on issues directly impacting their lives and well-being.
Safeguarding Democratic Participation: Concerns Over Voter Disenfranchisement
Beyond the immediate electoral outreach, the Congress party also voiced significant apprehension regarding the integrity of the electoral process itself. A key point of discussion during the meeting was the ongoing revision of voter lists, which the party views with suspicion. Rajesh Ram explicitly alleged a "conspiracy" behind these revisions by suggesting an intentional effort to disenfranchise certain voters.
In response to these concerns, the party has urged its workers to proactively engage with citizens at the grassroots level. This involves organizing 'chaupals' or village meetings across various blocks and panchayats. The primary objective of these gatherings is to educate and empower citizens to verify their details in the electoral roll. This proactive measure aims to prevent any eligible voter from being excluded from the democratic process due to errors or deliberate omissions in the voter lists.
AICC Secretary Allavaru, also present at the meeting had conveyed these grave concerns by asserting that there is a "systematic attempt to shred people of their right to vote." He stressed that a fundamental duty of party workers is to ensure that all supporters and eligible voters complete their registration and verification processes diligently, thereby safeguarding their permit. This strong focus on voter list integrity reflects the party's commitment to ensuring fair and accessible elections by viewing it as a cornerstone of democratic participation.
Strategic Preparedness and Local Focus
The meeting served as a comprehensive platform for the Congress leadership to discuss various aspects of their election preparedness. Key agenda items included refining organizational strategy and intensifying outreach efforts, particularly in constituencies identified as party strongholds. Leaders were specifically tasked with a crucial responsibility to highlight and address local issues pertinent to their respective areas.
This localized approach is designed to foster a deeper connection with the electorate, moving beyond broad national narratives to focus on concerns that directly impact the daily lives of citizens in Bihar. By addressing specific local grievances and aspirations through targeted campaigns, the Congress aims to demonstrate its responsiveness and commitment to community-level development. The presence of senior Congress figures, including Shakeel Ahmed Khan, Madan Mohan Jha, Uday Bhanu, Alka Lamba, Sushil Pasi, Shahnawaz Alam, and Devendra Yadav, underscored the collective leadership's dedication to these strategic discussions and the upcoming electoral challenge.
A short clip circulating on social media has sparked a fresh war of words in Bihar just months before the State assembly polls. The Indian National Congress (INC) says the footage misleads viewers about its ongoing women-focused welfare drive. The clip shows what looks like a sanitary pad with a printed photograph of Rahul Gandhi sealed inside it. The uploader claims these pads are being handed out under the “Mai Bahin Maan Yojana,” a Congress-supported scheme that distributes menstrual-health supplies in Bihar.
Congress Moves to Debunk the Footage
In X (formerly Twitter) post from its verified handle @INCIndia, party spokesperson Alka Lamba demonstrates the genuine products. Holding up the bright-pink packets, she points out that only the outer wrapper carries photographs of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi just like many political parties print leaders’ faces on subsidised food bags or medicine kits. The pad inside she stresses, is a normal and brand-new sanitary napkin without any image at all.
Background of the Scheme
Earlier this year, the Congress announced it would give away five lakh (500,000) sanitary napkins to Bihar’s women. The giveaway ties into a broader campaign promise if its INDIA bloc wins power, every adult woman would receive a ₹2,500 monthly stipend under the “Mai Bahin Samman Yojana.” Free menstrual products are presented as an immediate, visible first step.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly labelled the distribution tactic “anti-women” and even “an insult” to the dignity of Bihar’s female voters. Party leaders argued that displaying a male politician’s picture on an item tied to women’s personal hygiene is inappropriate.
Congress Defends Its Strategy
State Congress president Rajesh Kumar brushed aside the criticism. He said Mahila (Women’s) Congress volunteers will travel village-to-village, explaining menstrual health and handing out pads. “The aim is public awareness,” Kumar told reporters, adding that many rural women still lack reliable access to sanitary products. Branding welfare goods with political faces is a long-running practice across Indian parties. What is new this time is the speed at which unverifiable videos spread and shape public perception, often before fact-checks can catch up.
As election season heats up, both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress will keep trading blows over women’s issues. For voters, the bigger question may be whether such symbolic giveaways translate into lasting health benefits and economic empowerment beyond the election day.
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