Women React To BJP's Landslide Victory In General Elections

It is clear now that the Bharatiya Janata party is set to win the 2019 general elections by a landslide. But is everyone happy about it? What do women of this country, who displayed equal participation in the election process for the first time in history, have to say about the results? We spoke to some women to know how they felt about the strong Modi wave, which seems to have written the destiny of Indian politics for the next five years.

Victory of bigotry?

Writer Tara Kaushal, is more than disappointed with the saffron wave which has emerged victorious today. She says,“This BJP victory is a victory for hatred and bigotry. It is against all the things that secular India stands for. Take the cause of women: any conservative, religion-based ideology is against women’s rights. We are seeing this with Christian-backed opposition to abortion in America; we can see this in the idea of women in Hinduism. I do not favour another party in particular, but, as a liberal modern Indian woman, the BJP is #NotInMyName." She further adds, "Hindu nationalist hegemony under a fascist is an unpleasant reality. Worse, that this fascist was democratically elected. Makes one wonder about who our fellow Indians are, and what makes them tick. In our liberal circles, we discuss those that vote *because* of Modi’s hateful pro-Hindutva ideology. But people who vote for Modi’s development and other promises, apparently *despite* Hindutva (and the numbers!), are equally complicit. A very sad day for India.”

Hindu nationalist hegemony under a fascist is an unpleasant reality. Worse, that this fascist was democratically elected. Makes one wonder about who our fellow Indians are, and what makes them tick. - Tara Kaushal

Rejection of dynasty politics

Sonu Bhasin, author, sees this as rejection of dynasty politics and the entitlement that political families feel to winning, simply because of their surname, by the Indian electorate. "The election results 2019 have also shown that 'family businesses' need professionals to keep them going.  The inheritors suffer from a sense of entitlement and simply do not have the hunger to win. Talented non-family members need to be given charge , especially when the only claim-to-fame of The Inheritors is their family name. The other takeaway for me from the results is as follows - do not speak, especially in the media, on behalf of the Indian Voter. He/she has a mind of his/her own which is used before pressing the button on the EVM," says she.

The election results 2019 have also shown that 'family businesses' need professionals to keep them going.  The inheritors suffer from a sense of entitlement and simply do not have the hunger to win. - Sonu Bhasin

Lawyer Abha Singh also feels that Congress had a big part to play in BJP's victory, as it couldn't  put up a strong alternative for the electorate. She says, "Nationalism had a big role in victory. Congress could not put up a strong alternative to BJP. Rural Schemes of BJP like Ujjwala, electricity and roads had rural India tilting towards BJP. Muslim women have voted for BJP again thanks to  Triple Talaq Ordinance !!!"

Results reflect  Indian voters

Richa Singh, founder, Blogchatter feels that the mandate reflects electorate itself  as much as it reflects the leaders it has chosen. "Elections are as much a mandate on political leaders as on people themselves. Democracy is nothing but a reflection of society we have cultured in. And 40% of Indians are okay with a terror accused being elected to represent them as long as minorities are in check. So this is all I have to say right now to BJP voters- Congratulations to my friends and family who support this govt. Electorate has spoken, today is your day.  I hope this is a government made of your best thoughts and hope and not my worst fears !!"

Women voters were game changers

Monica Jasuja,  Head of digital and emerging partnerships, MasterCard says, "Women voters turned to be the game changer in this election, outnumbering male voters, and ensuring their voice is heard. We have often ignored the strong female voice considering they’re at the fringe of our patriarchal society. This landmark election will ensure women voters , their health and welfare takes top priority on every politicians agenda."

Author Meghna Pant also pointed out at the role women voters have played in handing out this mandate, saying, "It is noteworthy that for the first time in India’s history women voters were equal in number to male voters. We must take a moment to understand why women voted for the BJP. Is it because the Congress comes across as equally misogynistic? Were the elections about choosing between the lesser of two evils."

Picture Credit: The Hans India

Also Read: Do Women Candidates Of Winning Parties Have A Better Chance?