Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called on voters to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emphasizing the party’s consistent focus on women’s empowerment across the state. Speaking on social media ahead of the Assembly elections, Sarma highlighted the transformative power of a single vote. “One right vote can change the voice inside every home,” he wrote, stressing that active participation in the democratic process can strengthen the role of women in society. His message aligns with the broader election campaign narrative focusing on women-centric development and welfare initiatives.
BJP’s Policies Aim to Strengthen Nari Shakti
Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the BJP government’s commitment to promoting Nari Shakti in Assam through financial, educational, healthcare, and entrepreneurial support. He wrote, “Empowering women has been central to Assam’s growth story. Our initiatives are helping lakhs of women step forward with confidence and independence.” The CM underscored that the government’s approach is designed to ensure women benefit from development programs and welfare schemes, marking International Women’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate the strength and spirit of Assam’s women. Sarma also appealed to voters to make an informed choice in the upcoming polls, urging them to “Choose wisely, choose BJP.”
Major Women-Centric Welfare Schemes
Since coming to power, the BJP-led government has rolled out several welfare initiatives targeting women. The Orunodoi scheme provides direct cash transfers of Rs 1,250 per month to women from economically weaker households, currently benefiting over 19 lakh women and strengthening their role in household decision-making. The Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA) encourages rural women to become entrepreneurs, offering seed capital and institutional support with a target of reaching up to 12 lakh women. The Lakhpati Baideo scheme provides phased financial assistance to women linked with Self Help Groups, starting with Rs 10,000 in the first year and scaling to Rs 50,000 in the third year, enabling the establishment of sustainable micro-enterprises and enhanced income generation.
Women as a Key Voting Bloc
Political analysts note that women voters have emerged as a powerful electoral force in Assam, with parties increasingly tailoring policies and campaigns to appeal to them. The BJP leadership has consistently highlighted the government’s initiatives for women as evidence of the party’s commitment to social and economic progress. By empowering women through financial security, entrepreneurship, and targeted welfare schemes, the party aims to not only improve living standards but also strengthen women’s role in the state’s governance and development. Observers say that the focus on women-centric schemes could play a decisive role in shaping voter sentiment in the upcoming Assembly elections.
