In Madhya Pradesh, it's vote for change vs Ladli Behna scheme

The BJP and Congress are locked in a fierce battle in Madhya Pradesh, but parties hardly matter in this election.

As ET travelled through different parts of the state, the voter sentiment is largely working on two aspects: 'vote for change' favouring the Congress and the 'Ladli Behna' scheme holding the BJP.

Hard to miss

"Badlav hona chahiye (change is necessary)," said Rajiv Gupta, a salesman at a Datia market. "The leaders otherwise become arrogant."

"Don't write my name, but change is in the air," said a farmer in Chhatarpur Mandi.

Umesh Pateria, a farmer from Samnapur in Surkhi assembly segment, said he had worked for the BJP for the last 25 years. "My daughter got fifth position in Sagar in the Patwari examination. She is unhappy because of the corruption in the recruitment process," he told ET.

There is no visible Congress campaign, and voters hardly remember the guarantees it has promised. In 2018, the Congress grew largely on the poll promises it made. In 2023, it is immaterial for the voters.

"Things will improve if the government changes," said Manik Lal Sahu from Deri village in Malhera.

Even the BJP core voters and workers are admitting the change in the atmosphere.

Virendra Soni, a BJP supporter at Chungi Naka in Vidisha, said his vote is for the BJP but the Congress is likely to win.

Support that Counts
One big factor in BJP's favour is the Ladli Behna scheme launched by chief minister Shivraj Chouhan in March. Under the scheme, the government provides ₹1,250 to 13 million women every month. The scheme is so popular that it has outshone all other works and offerings by the Chouhan government and is the biggest bet for the BJP.

Suman Kushwah, a 38-year-old from Kalyani village in Bhitarwar, said her vote will be for the lotus symbol. "How can I not vote for the one who is giving money every month," she said.

Kamlesh Devi, 48, a housewife, from Chhatarpur, said she and her two daughters-in-law get monthly payment. "We are Congress supporters. But, I have told the Congress candidate half of the votes in my house will go to BJP," she said.

There are many female voters, especially in rural areas, who appreciate the scheme. The Congress too has promised to give ₹1,500 per month, but there is hardly any impact of it.

The BJP realises the importance of the scheme on its winning prospects. Through the call centres across the state, it is reaching out to the beneficiaries reminding them of what they have received with a request to vote for the BJP.