‘Kharche Pe Charcha’, Congress’ new tool to woo women voters

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 2

After the success of the ‘Haryana Mange Hisab’ initiative, the Congress has launched ‘Kharche Pe Charcha’ campaign targeting women voters. Highlighting the rising cost of living, the campaign aims to make women compare prices of essential commodities during the Congress and BJP tenures.

Women have emerged as a key constituency in recent years. In the 1987 state Assembly elections, the difference between men and women voting percentages was close to 7 per cent, the highest in Haryana’s history. However, over the years, the difference has narrowed as the women voting percentage has significantly improved.

In the 2014 Assembly elections, the difference between male and female voting percentages decreased to 1 per cent and in 2019, it was 1.56 per cent.

It is the women’s wing of the Congress that has taken the lead in the ‘Kharche Pe Charcha’ campaign. They are displaying posters with the caption ‘Janta Ki Sarkaar vs Loot Ki Sarkaar’ (Government of People vs Government of Plunder) at markets and shops across Haryana, comparing the prices of various items.

Drawing a comparison of the prices of LPG cylinders, the Congress posters depict that they used to cost Rs 410 during their regime and now cost Rs 900. Similarly, the cost of petrol used to be Rs 70 per litre, which has jumped to Rs 95 per litre in the past 10 years, and the prices of mustard oil has risen from Rs 80 per litre to Rs 150 per litre. The prices of wheat and milk have also been compared.

“The ‘Kharche Pe Charcha’ campaign, with the display of ‘Mehengai’ placards and posters, has been well-received by all sections of society affected by the rising prices of essential commodities,” said Sudha Bhardwaj, president, Haryana Pradesh Mahila Congress.

She said, “It is the women who face the maximum brunt of inflation. They are struggling to meet daily expenses. Though the BJP came to power with the slogan ‘Bahut Hui Mehengai Ki Maar, Ab Ki Baar Modi Sarkaar’ and there was a double-engine government in the state, but prices of various commodities have either doubled or tripled.”

It is learnt that Congress’ election strategist Sunil Kanugolu’s team has suggested this campaign.

Luring with ‘Mehengai’ cards

• The campaign has been spearheaded by the Congress’ women wing
• They are displaying posters with the caption ‘Janta Ki Sarkaar vs Loot Ki Sarkaar’ in markets across the state
• These posters draw a comparison of prices of various items such as LPG cylinders, milk, petrol and mustard oil in the past 10 years