Hectic calculations are being made on how the women voters are going to influence the AP poll outcome. As per the projections, it is true women have shown more enthusiasm compared to previous election. In 2014, only 33,448 more women voted when compared with men. But in 2019, over 2.35 lakh more women voted when compared with men. It means there is a difference of nearly 2.01 lakh women voters between the two elections.
Analysts say that this is not a small number and 500 to 2000 excess women voters are expected to impact the result in each of the 175 assembly segments. It is felt that not all women are swayed by the Pasupu Kumkuma and other cash benefits under the government’s welfare programmes. But it is undoubted that majority of these women beneficiaries have voted in favour of the TDP government.
There is also one view that most of these poor women beneficiaries are under pressure from local groups and their own families. This is the reason why they are not able to openly speak favourably of TDP. Moreover, women do not usually favour parties facing allegations of criminal charges. The Viveka murder has also shocked them. As is being said, there is a silent vote among these women. This is evident from how considerably larger number of women voted in this election.
