Skip to main content

How we vote - The factors that influence voters by Surjit Bhalla and Abhinav Motheram

 
Title: How We Vote
Authors: Surjit S. Bhalla and Abhinav Motheram

"Times may have changed, but the substantive basis on which people vote - their perception of leadership and the improvement in their well-being - remains constant."
Economics has been a favourite subject for me in school. Although I had no aptitude for statistics or numbers, the teachers were good. They compelled curiosity in me for the subject.

In How We Vote, Surjit S. Bhalla and Abhinav Motheram present an exploration of the evolving dynamics of voting behavior in India. As the nation approaches its eighteenth general election, the authors delve into the intersection of politics, economics, and psephology, offering readers an understanding of what truly influences voter decisions.
The book examines historical voting patterns, correlating them with significant changes in income, employment, welfare schemes, and gender equality. It highlights how despite the rapid technological advancements and the pervasive influence of social media, the core factors driving voter behavior—perception of leadership and well-being—remain steadfast. Bhalla and Motheram's deep dive into data not only provides fresh insights but also presents some counter-intuitive conclusions that challenge conventional wisdom.
The authors' experience and expertise shine through in their analysis. Bhalla, with his background in economic advisory roles and global financial institutions, and Motheram, with his proficiency in data science and survey methods, complement each other perfectly. Their combined perspectives make How We Vote a read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Indian elections.
As India stands on the brink of another electoral milestone, this book is a valuable resource for gaining a deeper comprehension of the factors that will shape voter choices in 2024 and beyond.

Those empathetic towards tragic sexual assaults like the Bilkis Bano case,Shahjahanpur case, Hathras case would relate to this text. Especially the political reactions like in the Kathua case.

Pages - 245
Price - Rs 599
Genre - Non-fiction 
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Also read

Does India need communal parties?

I think, it was Tan's post on this blog itself, Republic Day Event, where this question was raised. My answer. YES. we need communal parties even in Independent, Secular India. Now let me take you, back to events before 1947. When India was a colony of the British Empire. The congress party, in its attempt to gain momentum for the independence movement, heavily used Hinduism, an example of which is the famous Ganesh Utsav held in Mumbai every year. Who complains? No one. But at that time, due to various policies of the congress, Muslims started feeling alienated. Jinnah, in these times, got stubborn over the need of Pakistan and he did find a lot of supporters. Congress, up till late 1940's never got bothered by it. And why should we? Who complains? No one. But there were repercussions. The way people were butchered and slaughtered during that brief time when India got partitioned, was even worse than a civil war scenario. All in the name of religion. And there indeed was cr...
40 comments
Read more

Adopt what is right.....

I see that many people of my age group adopt certain western cultures. School students and college goers are often seen buying friendship bands and valentine cards. I feel its not right. You may think I am traditional and don't keep up to date views. But if you think a little maturely you will find out its not modern to wear friendship bands. Its rather pure pride. Now as I am talking about western culture I should tell you that I'm not against it in fact I find some of the western values very much followable like dignity of work, civic sense, accountability etc. We have to maturely decide what to adopt from the westerners and what not to adopt. Why should we go after them when we have a culture of such great versatility? -Priya Joyce
21 comments
Read more

7 Wild healing practices That Healed Me More Than Coaching Ever Did: What If Getting Better Means Getting a Little Wild?

What if healing does not always begin with another question, another worksheet or another carefully worded goal? Wild healing practices invite emotion into the body through movement, sensation, sound, memory and ritual. This first-person journey explores seven unconventional practices that helped me notice what conversation alone could not, while keeping therapy, safety and genuine trauma care firmly in view. Have you ever spent so much time trying to improve yourself that you began to suspect that self-improvement had quietly become another job? I know the feeling. There was a period in my life when I could discuss my emotional patterns with impressive confidence, identify my triggers before breakfast and explain the origin of almost every uncomfortable reaction with the solemn satisfaction of a man who had finally discovered the instruction manual for himself. I was learning, reflecting, journalling, setting intentions and having sensible conversations about growth. On paper, I was d...
Post a Comment
Read more