Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Bihar to ensure greater participation of women voters in the upcoming Assembly elections, giving the call of “Pehle Matdaan, Phir Jalpaan” (First vote, then breakfast).
Interacting with women workers under the BJP’s Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot campaign on the last day of campaigning for the first phase of polls, the Prime Minister asked party functionaries to mobilise women electors and raise voter turnout across the State.
Speaking to Shalini Singh, Panchayat chief of Khangaon village, PM Modi asked Panna Pramukhs – party workers responsible for voter outreach at the booth level – to ensure that women in their assigned areas cast their votes early.
“When metro trains run, women benefit the most. Tell people about our manifesto and the mantra of ‘Pehle Matdaan, Phir Jalpaan’. The Panna Pramukh should ensure that women in their Panna vote first,” the Prime Minister said.
Begusarai Mahila Morcha chief Dr. Rekha Ram informed the Prime Minister that arrangements have been made to provide transport facilities for women voters to reach polling stations. She said women have benefitted from welfare schemes such as free ration, 125 units of free electricity, pension for senior citizens, and ₹10,000 assistance under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana.
Expressing confidence in the NDA’s victory, PM Modi said the people of Bihar have made up their minds to return the alliance to power with a larger majority. “The people of ‘jungle raj’ will see their biggest defeat. The development of Bihar can only be done under the NDA,” he said.
He added that the NDA government has worked to empower women and improve their quality of life, citing steps taken to expand metro and Vande Bharat services and reduce household expenses through affordable electricity.
Electioneering for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly polls ended today at 5 p.m. Voting will take place on November 6, followed by the second phase on November 11. Counting of votes will be held on November 14.