With Delhi getting a woman chief minister after 10 years as AAP leader Aatishi took over for Arvind Kejriwal, political spotlight is also on prominent women leaders in Maharashtra, which will go to polls later this year.
Leaders from both ruling Mahayuti and opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliances have voiced that it’s high time Maharashtra welcomes its first woman chief minister, with the call gaining traction on social media as well. As the clamour grows louder, political parties may also be compelled to field more women candidates as compared to previous elections.
A source in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) told News18 that its internal surveys showed a favourable response among the electorate for the Congress and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP as compared to Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena-UBT. The source also highlighted that Pawar’s extensive state-wide campaign has yielded positive responses for the NCP (SP). Regions such as western Maharashtra, Ahmednagar and Nashik are reportedly witnessing surge in support for the Sharad Pawar faction.
A senior alliance leader speculated on condition of anonymity that Pawar’s hectic political activity even before the Assembly election schedule is announced could be aimed partly at positioning his daughter Supriya Sule as a probable chief ministerial candidate. The pitch for Maharashtra to have its first woman chief minister could blunt Uddhav Thackeray’s claim to the top job if the alliance wins. Officially, both Sule and Pawar have maintained that any decision on the Chief Minister’s post will be taken after the election and depending on the party’s performance.
The MVA source quoted previously added that given Supriya Sule’s clout within the party following cousin Ajit Pawar’s exit, there will likely be no major opposition to her being positioned as the party’s chief ministerial candidate.
Not just women politicians, but women voters are also centerstage this election season. As a voting bloc, women played a significant role in the BJP’s election win over the Congress in Madhya Pradesh. At the national level too, women, especially in rural areas, have thrown their weight behind PM Narendra Modi following schemes like Ujjwala.
Recognising this, the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra, too, has begun tailoring its policies to attract more women voters, especially after the alliance’s lacklustre performance in general elections.
The Mahayuti government has introduced several schemes aimed at winning over women voters. One such initiative is the ‘Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin’ scheme, which provides financial assistance to eligible women. In addition, the state’s last budget included a scheme offering three free LPG gas cylinders to eligible women.
Will political parties show as much enthusiasm in pushing its women leaders to power as they are in pursuing women voters?
“The call for a woman chief minister in Maharashtra is getting good traction. It was under Sharad Pawar that the state became the first to implement a ‘women’s policy’ (for 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj system). This would be playing on his mind… In my opinion, Maharashtra should have a woman CM considering the current scenario. But if Pawar gets a shot at power, he should avoid making his own daughter the CM. He shouldn’t indulge in nepotism, and should give a chance to other women leaders in his party,” says senior journalist Prakash Akolkar.
According to senior journalist Prashant Kadam, the upcoming elections are a test of Supriya Sule’s leadership.
“Supriya Sule has always been active in national politics since Sharad Pawar deputed her to represent his party at the Centre while Ajit Pawar managed state affairs. But with Ajit Pawar’s exit, there is a leadership vacuum in the party. In coming days, we will be seeing Supriya Sule take more responsibilities in party affairs. This state election will be a test of her leadership. Also, the decision on the chief minister will completely depended on the numbers.”
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