For much of India’s history, women’s voices at the ballot box were largely invisible. Decisions were made for them, assumptions were drawn about them, yet their perspectives were seldom heard. That narrative has changed dramatically. Today, Indian women vote in record numbers, often making choices that defy political conventions and reshape electoral outcomes. From welfare programs to identity politics, from household finances to street protests, the woman voter has emerged as a powerful and decisive force.

In her debut book, journalist Ruhi Tewari offers an in-depth exploration of this transformation. Traveling across states and communities, she delves into how women vote – and why – combining decades of reporting with fieldwork, data, and incisive political analysis. The book examines critical questions that lie at the heart of Indian democracy: Do women vote as women? How do caste, religion, or social identity influence their choices? Can development priorities outweigh entrenched loyalties? And when welfare schemes become routine, does their political impact fade?

Tewari’s work presents Indian democracy through a new lens, portraying women not as passive recipients of policy, but as active, ambitious participants – perhaps even kingmakers – in shaping the country’s political landscape.

Praised by leading voices, the book has been called:

• “Insightful and topical.” – Coomi Kapoor
• “A must-read.” – Prannoy Roy
• “Exhaustive … with a ground reporter’s rigour and an analyst’s sharp intellect.” – Shekhar Gupta

Published in time for the Bihar elections, What Women Want is a timely, compelling read for anyone seeking to understand the shifting dynamics of India’s electorate and the rising influence of women voters.

About the Author:
Ruhi Tewari is an accomplished journalist with nearly two decades of experience covering politics, policy, and their intersections for India’s leading media organizations. Renowned for her ability to combine rigorous on-the-ground reporting with sharp data-driven analysis, she has delivered some of the most credible election coverage in recent years. She lives in New Delhi with her husband and their dog.