How women are deciding elections in key states

Bhavika JainTIMESOFINDIA.COM
Apr 11, 2026 | 19:57 IST

As women voters outnumber men in most states going to the polls, parties are tailoring welfare promises around them — even as their representation in legislatures remains strikingly low.

As voting gets underway in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry, there is one shift that stands out — women voters are now central to how elections are fought and won.

This was evident even in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, with female voter turnout marginally higher than men — 65.8% compared to 65.6%, according to Election Commission data.
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