The Hindu : Karnataka News : SHGs being lured by politicians for votes

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Saturday, Apr 19, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

SHGs being lured by politicians for votes

Bageshree S.

Bangalore: Six women’s self-help groups (SHGs) in Bhattarahalli in K.R. Puram constituency were promised Rs. 50,000 each by a candidate for votes in his favour and for “influencing” others in their families and communities to vote for him, according to some members of one group. The “going rate” in rain-starved Kolar district is a tenth of this, at Rs. 5,000. But everywhere in the State, candidates and aspirants for seats are trying to woo SHGs with plenty of promises and gifts in cash and kind.

The attempts to lure SHGs are suggestive of their influence in the community and their sheer numbers. In December 2007, Karnataka had 1.4 lakh SHGs started by the Government and 75,000 SHGs started by non-governmental organisations. With an estimated average membership of 17 per group, the primary membership alone is a huge number. Counting an additional family member as a voter, the numerical reach of the SHGs is over 80 lakh voters.

“Some groups have accepted it without realising that it is related to elections.” says M.S. Jayalakshmi of Grameena Mahila Okkuta, which works in Kolar district.

Harish R., who works in Mandya and Mysore for Vikasa Grameena Abhivriddhi Samsthe, says it is an “open secret” that SHGs are “enticed” by candidates, cutting across parties. “Many times SHGs accept money and gifts from all parties, but do not necessarily vote in their favour. We should not assume that SHGs members are gullible and easily swayed.”

There has been some debate among SHG members on whether they should accept the money or whether they should refuse it on moral grounds. “Once we accept a favour, we lose our right to demand what is legitimately due to us. That defeats the very concept of an SHG,” says Ms. Jayalakshmi. The okkuta is sending out circulars to SHGs working with it urging them not to accept any gift.

Lakshmamma, member of an SHG in Parvathinagar in K.R. Puram constituency, talks of real problems that cannot be solved by gifts of saris, nose rings or even “down payments”. She says that their community will be happy if any leader promises to provide water, good roads leading to schools in the area and a community hall. “What will I do with saris that come four for Rs. 100 in bulk purchase?”

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