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

Debate : Do the ends justify the means...

Note : Give it all a fair thought before you jot down... Flaming and religion-bashing will not be tolerated. Your participation is gladly appreciated. I dunno if you folks remember this incident; a couple of yrs back, the UPSC exam had a question where the emainee had to assert his views on *revolutionary terrorism* initiated by Bhagat Singh. As is typical of the government, hue and cry was not far behind... Anyway, let us look at some facts -   Bhagat Singh was an atheist, considered to be one of the earliest Marxist in India and in line with hi thinking, he renamed the Hindustan Republican Party and called it the Hindustan Socialist Revolutionary Party. Bhagat Finally, awaiting his own execution for the murder of Saunders, Bhagat Singh at the young age of 24 studied Marxism thoroughly and wrote a profound pamphlet “Why I am an Atheist.” which is an ideological statement in itself. The circumstances of his death and execution are worth recounting. Although, Bhagat Singh had a...
30 comments
Read more

"My cousin touched me there"

Note: When Tan suggested me to post this here...I gave it a thought. I felt he was right.  yeha I know in the election times ..people would be more inclined to politics. Well still..just give it a read :) For the first time when she came in I knew she is going to be one of my best pals. she was bubbly chirpy sociable and a caring human being.she was I felt my true copy. But what I felt wasn't true and I'd never known that trait of hers which never matched mine had such a reason behind it. She never liked to talk or be familiar to the opposite sex. I found this irritating but I just used to remember all her other traits which brought her close to me and made her one of the closest beings to me on this Earth. As she and I had got very close in friendship that we began sharing secrets which we never thought would come out of our mind. And I thought I understood her as I thought she was me. Then one day as we were alone in my room I asked her why she was so unfamiliar and irritat...
26 comments
Read more

Cutting people off isn’t strength—It is a trauma response

Your ability to cut people off and self-isolate is not a skill you should be proud of—It is a trauma response Cutting people off and self-isolating may feel like a protective shield, but it is often rooted in unresolved or unhealed trauma and an inability to depend on others. While these behaviors seem like self-preservation, they end up reinforcing isolation and blocking meaningful connections. Confronting these patterns, seeking therapy, and nurturing supportive relationships can help break this unhealthy cycle. Plus, a simple act like planting a jasmine plant can symbolise the start of your journey towards emotional healing. Why do we cut people off and isolate? If you’re someone who prides themselves on “cutting people off” or keeping a tight circle, you might believe it’s a skill—a way to protect yourself from betrayal, hurt, or unnecessary drama. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: this ability to isolate yourself is not as empowering as it may seem. In fact, i...
1 comment
Read more