As the INDIA bloc achieved a surprising turnaround in Uttar Pradesh during the Lok Sabha elections, a notable scene unfolded in Lucknow. Numerous women queued up outside a Congress office, eager to obtain the 'guarantee cards' that the party had promised during its campaign.
In the lead-up to the elections, the Congress distributed 'guarantee cards' to various households, pledging Rs 1 lakh annually to the woman head of every impoverished family.
This initiative sparked significant interest, particularly among Muslim women, who were seen lining up in large numbers outside the Congress office despite the sweltering heat.
The women had different reasons for their visit. Some were there to demand the 'guarantee cards', while others, who had already received these cards, came to submit forms to receive the promised money in their accounts. A few women claimed to have received receipts from the Congress office after providing their details for the money transfer.
This initiative was part of the Congress' 'Ghar Ghar Guarantee' program, which aimed to reach nearly 80 million households. Party leaders were tasked with informing these households about 25 different guarantees, one of which was the Mahalakshmi scheme.
Under this scheme, the Congress promised to deposit Rs 8,500 per month directly into the accounts of women heads of families living below the poverty line (BPL).
The Mahalakshmi scheme bears a resemblance to the Gruha Lakshmi guarantee scheme of the Congress-led Karnataka government, which provides Rs 2,000 to the women heads of poor families. The prospect of receiving such substantial financial support has evidently struck a chord among women, as seen in both Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.
In Bengaluru, for instance, the General Post Office witnessed a rush of women opening accounts in anticipation of receiving Rs 8,500 monthly, should the INDIA bloc come to power at the Centre. This rush highlights the widespread appeal and potential impact of such financial assistance schemes.
Despite the INDIA bloc's success, securing 234 seats and defying many exit polls, the BJP-led NDA appears poised to form the next government, having won 292 seats and narrowly surpassing the majority mark of 272. This election outcome indicates a significant shift in the political landscape, with the INDIA bloc emerging as a formidable force.
The scene outside the Congress office in Lucknow underscores the profound impact that campaign promises and financial guarantees can have on voters, particularly those from marginalised communities.
The eagerness of the women to secure these 'guarantee cards' reflects their hopes and expectations for tangible support and betterment of their lives. As the political dynamics continue to evolve, such initiatives will likely play a crucial role in shaping voter sentiment and engagement.
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