For these women,election season means cash reward,treat

In the last Assembly elections,she earned more than Rs 1,000 while campaigning door-to-door for political parties. This time,she hopes,she will earn more. And with refreshment and meals thrown in with the money,Devi feels,it’s not a bad deal. “I’ll use the money to buy a new suit my daughter has been asking for months now,” she says.

These women are an organised group. In Chandni Chowk,they have regular jobs like making wedding cards and doing embroidery work.

Election season — municipal,Assembly or Lok Sabha — translates into gainful employment for these women,a time when they can buy the saree they have been eyeing. Monthly wages from their regular jobs seldom cross the Rs 1,500-mark,and extra money is always welcome.

Renu,who organises these women in groups,came to the meeting in a bright red saree. Sitting in the front row,she ordered them around while explaining the party ideology.

She has done this for ‘close to 15 years’ for political parties,which recruit these women to mobilise women voters. “It always helps to have women go and convince other women. They have more accessibility,” Renu said. “We go to whoever calls us first.”

A BSP worker said the party does provide refreshments,but denied having any cash involved. “No,no,they are dedicated workers. They believe in the party,” he said. “And so they work for us.” But soon added: “You know…all parties recruit these women.”

But the opportunity does not mean additional income for all. For some it helps in making the ends meet. A woman,who lost her job after the unit she worked at shut down,came along when she heard about the offer. At another Congress rally,Chandni Chowk resident Amtul Haseen sweated profusely as she walked with a procession in the afternoon. “I have high blood pressure and the sun is too much. But then,we had a good lunch,” she said. “And then we just have to shout slogans and talk to women.”