Congress ploy to turn Indiramma sarees into votes in gram panchayat polls

With the Telangana gram panchayat elections approaching in December, the Congress government has relaunched the previously discontinued Bathukamma saree scheme under a new name—Indiramma sarees—in what many see as a strategic move to woo women voters. The programme began just weeks before elections, raising questions about political motives. Women constitute a decisive majority of the rural electorate, with over 85 lakh women voters across 12,733 gram panchayats, and legally hold 50% seat reservation in local body elections, making them the most influential voting block.

Under the first phase of the new distribution cycle, 65 lakh sarees will be handed out in rural regions by December 9, followed by 35 lakh sarees in urban areas between March 1 and 8. Political observers believe the timing clearly indicates an attempt to convert welfare into votes.

However, analysts question whether sarees alone will persuade voters, given the Congress government’s failure to deliver on several major promises made to women during the 2023 Assembly elections. Key schemes—such as Rs 2,500 monthly financial aid, Rs 4,000 pension, electric scooters for students, housing in women’s names, and Indiramma gift gold distribution—remain largely unfulfilled or delayed. Anganwadi workers recently staged protests demanding the promised salary increase, while beneficiaries complain of procedural hurdles and selective allotment under the Indiramma housing scheme.

Many also highlight that essential guarantees like gas cylinders at Rs 500, 200 units free electricity, and Vidya Bharosa education support are only partially implemented, with widespread complaints of negligence and unequal eligibility approvals.

Opposition voices argue that the Congress is using sarees as a distraction from unfulfilled commitments, hoping emotional appeal will override dissatisfaction. Yet voter sentiment on the ground remains uncertain.

Whether the Indiramma sarees will indeed translate into votes—or expose broken promises—will be tested when rural Telangana heads to ballot boxes in December.