Bengal verdict driven by women voters, welfare race and safety concerns

A key pillar of Trinamool Congress’s electoral strength in West Bengal since 2011, women turned out in higher numbers than men in this year’s assembly elections, according to Dipawali Mitra's Times of India. However, the decisive swing towards the BJP suggests a possible shift in women voters away from Mamata Banerjee.

Analysts say one of the key factors behind the Bharatiya Janata Party’s performance was a recalibration of its welfare strategy, an area it had earlier criticised. This time, the BJP actively embraced cash transfer politics and sought to outmatch the TMC’s welfare offerings. While the TMC’s flagship Lakshmir Bhandar scheme provided Rs 1,500 per month to women from general categories, the BJP promised Rs 3,000. It also proposed Rs 3,000 monthly support for unemployed youth and Rs 9,000 assistance for farmers, intensifying the welfare contest.

The BJP’s promise of women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha further strengthened its outreach among female voters. According to Election Commission data, female turnout stood at 93.2%, higher than male participation at 91.7%, driven in part by targeted welfare schemes.


However, experts suggest that voter sentiment may have shifted beyond welfare. Kolkata-based Sabar Institute director Sabir Ahamed said women’s safety emerged as a key issue during the campaign. He pointed to the August 2024 rape-and-murder case at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital as a major turning point. “Women responded strongly to it. The BJP’s higher-value cash transfer promises may also have appealed more,” he said.

Other factors such as employment and healthcare concerns also appear to have influenced voting patterns, said Rabindra Bharati University former vice-chancellor Sabyasachi Basu Ray Chaudhury. Ahamed further highlighted the West Bengal School Service Commission recruitment scam, which had a significant electoral impact.

In April 2025, the Supreme Court invalidated 25,753 appointments linked to the cash-for-jobs scam in teaching and non-teaching posts. “It appears women voters were not just looking for financial assistance, but employment opportunities and a credible vision for their future,” Basu Ray Chaudhury said.


(With TOI inputs)