Renowned conservationist Purnima Devi Barman captured the audience’s attention by mimicking the distinctive clatter of the Hargila or Greater Adjutant Stork, and invited everyone to join in. Soon the hall was filled with the sounds of the Hargila bird.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the state of Bihar has sparked a heated debate across India in recent months. Among the many concerns raised is its potential impact on women voters.
Caste-based politics has long been a harsh reality in Bihar. The state has witnessed prolonged caste conflicts as well as political battles focusing on challenging the dominance of the upper-caste groups traditionally in power. For decades, political parties have used caste consolidation as the primary tool with which to achieve electoral success. As a result, both democracy and development have remained sidelined for a long period. However, a significant transformation is now taking place. The growing number of female voters in the state is weakening the grip of caste politics and infusing fresh democratic energy into the political arena.
जाति आधारित राजनीति ने लोकतंत्र और बिहार के विकास को लंबे समय तक हाशिये पर रखा। लेकिन अब बिहार में एक बड़ा बदलाव देखा जा रहा है। महिलाएं, विशेषकर युवतियां, अपने मताधिकार को लेकर सजग और मुखर हुई हैं। उभरता हुआ महिला वोट बैंक जातीय राजनीति की जकड़न को कमज़ोर कर रहा है।