Three Women Who Could Be Modi’s Biggest Nightmare in India’s Election

By Devjyot Ghoshal and Krishna N. Das

NEW DELHI – Three influential women politicians, each hailing from distinct segments of Indian society, could significantly challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s prospects of securing a second term in the upcoming general elections, which are anticipated by May.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a member of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has dominated Indian politics since independence in 1947, became a prominent figure in January when the opposition Congress party unveiled her as its leader in Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state.

Alongside her, two other prominent female leaders – Mamata Banerjee, the dynamic chief minister of West Bengal, and Mayawati, a former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh – are strategizing to dislodge Modi’s ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Though no formal agreement has materialized among them yet, they aim to forge substantial opposition coalitions.

"The opposition boasts more powerful women leaders than the NDA, which can resonate strongly with voters, particularly women," noted Yashwant Sinha, 81, a former finance minister who resigned from Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) last year. He added, "They should be concerned, especially in light of recent electoral defeats in key Hindi heartland states."

Priyanka’s political debut sparked an enthusiastic response from much of the Indian media, showcasing supporters celebrating and drawing comparisons between her and her grandmother, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Many commentators praised her ability to connect with the electorate, a noted contrast to her brother, Rahul Gandhi, who has faced criticism for his perceived disconnect.

TRIPLE CHALLENGE

The other two women, considered serious contenders against Modi’s dominance, bring more seasoned political experience to the table. Both are viewed as potential prime ministerial candidates within a coalition government framework.

Mayawati, 63, known simply as Mayawati, recently established an alliance between her Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which represents the Dalits, and the Samajwadi Party, historically at odds with the BSP but now seeking to unite lower castes and Muslim voters.

Banerjee, 64, has served as a federal railways minister twice. In recent weeks, she held a massive anti-BJP rally in Kolkata, drawing hundreds of thousands and underscoring her political clout.

While party colleagues of these women leaders declined to comment, it’s clear that Modi remains the most popular leader in India according to current opinion polls. Additionally, Modi’s administration has focused on women’s issues, launching initiatives aimed at improving the status of women and promoting projects that are presented as empowering, such as providing toilets and subsidized gas cylinders.

With six women in his cabinet of 26, Modi’s administration still centralizes power predominantly around him and a few senior male associates. The BJP maintains they will campaign on their achievements under Modi, criticizing the opposition for lacking a compelling alternative.

PERSONAL TIES

The Congress party is working to form a potential post-election partnership with Mayawati’s BSP and the Samajwadi Party alliance, even though they will contest against each other in a significant number of constituencies. Mayawati mentioned that Congress was excluded from the alliance due to doubts about the benefits of such a partnership leading up to the elections.

Despite the lack of a formal alliance, Banerjee has established a rapport with both Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Dinesh Trivedi, a close aide to Banerjee, expressed confidence that her well-established relationship with Sonia Gandhi, the matriarch of the dynasty, would facilitate cooperation between the parties.

Priyanka’s emergence in the political landscape could revitalize the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh, where it has struggled. Supporters highlight her lineage as a significant asset in appealing to upper caste voters who typically favor the BJP. Party insiders believe she is likely to attract women, young people, and undecided voters.

While Priyanka is not entirely new to politics—having assisted her brother and mother in past election campaigns—she has faced numerous personal and political challenges. Rahul Gandhi emphasized their shared experiences and struggles, shedding light on the complexities of their political lineage.

NATIONAL LEADER

A spokesperson for the BSP views Mayawati not in terms of gender but as an adept leader capable of galvanizing support across various demographics. According to him, her accomplishments speak to her status as a national leader.

Mayawati’s ambition has been underscored in past diplomatic communications, where she was described as someone driven by a strong desire for leadership. Nonetheless, she has also earned recognition for empowering minority groups within the lower castes.

Banerjee, celebrated for her grassroots political aptitude, became a significant figure by ousting a 34-year long communist government in West Bengal in 2011. She positions herself as a secular leader amid the increasing polarization of Indian politics.