Mariyam Usmani, TwoCircles.net
Seema Sachdeva (59), a tenant in the P&T quarters near Windsor Place, the residence of Pravesh Verma, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the New Delhi constituency for the city’s legislative assembly election, witnessed firsthand the alleged electoral malpractices.
“There was a massive crowd of people from different parts of the city who gathered at Pravesh Verma’s residence to take money. After a few days, they distributed sarees and 1 kg packets of salt, rice and chickpea lentils among women. But we fail to see any ‘good intent of welfare’ behind these actions. Such things are nothing but a ploy to grab victory by hook or by crook,” she said. “It is a pathetic reflection of our ground realities. Watch it.”
Seema’s story is not an isolated one. As the Delhi elections draw closer, women voters have become the target of alleged manipulative tactics from both the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Opposition, the BJP. From distributing cash to bribes disguised as gifts, accusations of vote-buying tactics have flooded the political discourse.
Verma was allegedly found distributing Rs 1,100 among women voters in December 2024, while the AAP reportedly bribed slum dwellers with Rs 500 notes hidden in calendar pages. Despite these efforts, many women voters are making it clear that they will not be swayed by such tactics.
Ballot Fraud With Public Money?
The financial fragility of marginalised women has been exploited in these alleged vote-buying schemes, with the intention of controlling voters’ choices at the booths. Anjali (58), a homemaker who also witnessed the BJP’s tactics, pointed out the role of word-of-mouth media in promoting these unethical strategies.
“There were people from India Gate, Gol Market, Moti Bagh and far-flung areas of Delhi. There was a huge crowd, but the media did not cover it. What we want is not a bribe but better job opportunities and a solution to inflation. Every month, we pay Rs 11,000 as house rent, and our children are lured into the culture of bribery with false promises of jobs.”
A group of women, allegedly forced to line up as beneficiaries outside Verma’s house, condemned both the AAP and the BJP for “worsening” their struggle for dignity and survival.
Kamlesh (42), from Connaught Place, said, “The money was not theirs to give. It belongs to the public. They have looted our wealth. Even if we accepted the money, we have our own independent political choices.”
Women Slam AAP’s ‘Unethical’ Strategies
The decade-long rule of the AAP has left many women disillusioned by alleged unfulfilled promises, anti-women hate speech and the growing Hindutva agenda. These issues have eroded the credibility of AAP’s election manifestos among female voters.
Najma Begum (45), from Daryaganj, said, “Advertisements cannot pressure us into choosing a hateful party. We are free enough to decide on our own. Such corruption cannot shake our commitment to ethics and morality, because we will vote for who we want to vote for.”
Eram (27), an IAS aspirant from Batla House, criticised the “targeted manipulation of women”. “Such tactics are a clear manifestation of patriarchy. Parties that underestimate our worth are a red flag. I also worry that Muslim women are even more vulnerable due to the growing communalism against our community.”
‘Promises Are Like Rumors’
The constant barrage of “broken” promises in election manifestos has only deepened the sense of betrayal among many women, but they refuse to be seen as a weak section of the electorate.
Around Jama Masjid, women living in makeshift shelters spoke of the consequences of inflation and how the promises of both the BJP and the AAP have left them with little hope. However, declarations made by the AIMIM to protect human rights and dignity, and Congress’ promise of Rs 2,500 as a financial aid, along with subsidised rations and LPG cylinders, have offered a glimmer of hope amid their frustration.
Khursheeda Begum (60), a widow from Daryaganj, rejected AAP’s promises. She highlighted the disconnect between political pledges and reality. “I do not think the AAP will keep its word. Governments change, but our struggles remain the same. Every rainy season, our slum and the tiny underground corner turn into a massive gutter with overflowing sewage. We have been requesting a solution for the past 50 years, but no one cares after elections. It is ridiculous that they offer bribes — why cannot they help us find jobs for our children? Why do not they address our basic needs?”
Her sister-in-law, Waliyan Begum (60), echoed the same. “Why should we believe them when they have the power to change laws and policies?”
Azra Begum (50) from Trilokpuri said, “Manifestos are like rumors, and we have heard a lot of rumors. We do not believe them.”
Women’s Security at Risk
Despite their rhetoric on women’s empowerment, both major parties have remained silent on the grave issue of women’s safety. A UN survey shows that approximately 95% of women feel unsafe in public spaces in Delhi.
Neelakshi (23), a student at Jawaharlal Nehru University, revealed the lingering insecurity even in supposedly safe spaces: “The metro is considered a safe space, yet we cannot shake the constant fear. We are asked to share our locations with friends and family every time we go out.”
Fauziya Haroon (24), a former student of Jamia Millia Islamia from Zakir Nagar, said, “Women are not safe anywhere. The administration should address our fears, but they have not promised anything.”
The rise of alleged saffron violence has only increased women’s security concerns in the national capital. Daily commuters travel at their own risk, often facing harassment and violence.
Gaurika (21), a diploma student at Delhi University’s North Campus, narrated a recent encounter: “Just a few days ago, a man followed me to the women’s coach of the metro. I think segregating compartments is not enough, because later we gather on the same platform. Instead of shielding criminals, politics should focus on harsher punishments for offenders.”
Nisha Siddiqui (23), a working professional from Batla House, Okhla, said, “Our society is prone to judge and disrespect women, and the political parties have no plans to fix this rape culture. I feel that the normalisation of heinous crimes against women is a big problem.”
Ray of Hope Amid Blame Games
Amid the BJP-AAP blame games, both parties tarnishing each other’s reputations and copying tactics, smaller parties are apparently emerging as an option for women voters who refuse to be swayed by the major parties.
The alleged electoral malpractices, coupled with the lack of accountability, not only highlight the erosion of trust in institutions like the Election Commission but also expose the shallow views of “pseudo-progressive” parties who believe they can easily manipulate the women’s vote bank.
The February 5 Delhi Assembly elections serve as a battleground not just for political supremacy but also for women’s rights, dignity and security. Despite alleged efforts to sway them with “bribes” and “false promises”, women across national capital are making it clear that they will not be treated as mere pawns in the political game. The challenge for political parties is not just winning votes but addressing the very real concerns of women that go beyond election season.