Voting behaviour in India reflects the diverse nature of Indian society. Multiple socio-economic and political factors shape how citizens vote during elections. Understanding these influences is crucial for students of polity and UPSC aspirants as it explains the deeper dynamics of Indian democracy.
Key Factors Influencing Voting Behaviour in India
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The Indian electoral process is guided by numerous determinants that fall into two broad categories: socio-economic and political factors.
- (i) Caste: Caste identity remains one of the most powerful influences in Indian voting patterns. Political parties design election strategies around caste alignments. Rajni Kothari famously remarked that “Indian politics is casteist, and caste is politicised.” Paul Brass further highlighted that at the grassroots level, caste solidarity and inter-caste coalitions significantly impact voter choices.
- (ii) Religion: Religious sentiments strongly affect electoral behaviour. Despite India’s secular framework, parties often resort to communal propaganda and rely on religion-based mobilisations.
- (iii) Language: Linguistic factors influence voter decisions. The 1956 reorganisation of states on a linguistic basis demonstrates its significance. The rise of regional parties like DMK in Tamil Nadu and TDP in Andhra Pradesh are classic examples of linguism in politics.
- (iv) Region: Regionalism and sub-regional identities drive voting choices. The growth of regional parties stems from appeals to local identities and sentiments. In extreme cases, secessionist groups even call for election boycotts.
- (v) Personality: The charisma of political leaders has historically shaped voting behaviour. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Jay Prakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Narendra Modi have strongly influenced national choices, while state leaders command similar influence regionally.
- (vi) Money: Monetary power plays a crucial role in elections. Despite legal restrictions, enormous sums are spent on campaigns, and voters are often swayed by money, liquor, or goods. However, in wave elections—as described by Paul Brass—mass opinion shifts beyond monetary influence when a single issue or leader captures public imagination.
- (vii) Performance of the Ruling Party: Voters assess ruling parties against promises made in their manifestos. Defeats like Congress in 1977 and Janata Party in 1980 highlight the role of anti-incumbency in shaping electoral outcomes.
- (viii) Party Identification: Long-standing loyalty and emotional attachment to parties often determine votes. While stronger in the 1950s–60s, this trend has declined since the 1970s.
- (ix) Ideology: Political beliefs such as communism, secularism, capitalism, or decentralisation guide certain voters. Although relatively fewer in number, ideological voters consistently support parties aligned with their beliefs.
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(x) Other Factors: A range of additional determinants shape electoral behaviour.
- (i) Political events before elections such as wars, corruption scandals, or assassinations.
- (ii) Economic conditions including inflation, unemployment, and shortages.
- (iii) Factionalism—visible at local and national levels of politics.
- (iv) Age differences—between younger and older voters.
- (v) Gender—men and women voting behaviour patterns.
- (vi) Education levels—educated versus uneducated sections.
- (vii) Habitation—rural or urban divide.
- (viii) Economic class—rich versus poor.
- (ix) Family and kinship influence.
- (x) Candidate orientation and local image.
- (xi) Election campaigns and their effectiveness.
- (xii) Political family background of candidates.
- (xiii) Role of media in shaping perceptions.
Media and elections in India share a crucial relationship. From announcement of polls to declaration of results, every stage depends on information dissemination and transparency. For students and UPSC aspirants, understanding how media, Election Commission, and laws interact provides valuable insights into Indian democracy.
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Information dissemination during elections is vital for all stakeholders, ensuring voters know the what, when, where, and how of polling.
- Media informs citizens about nominations, scrutiny, campaigns, polling arrangements, and results.
- It also alerts both the public and Election Commission about violations of Model Code of Conduct (MCC), disturbances, or last-minute changes.
- Newspapers and TV channels actively highlight candidates’ affidavits detailing their educational, financial, and criminal backgrounds, uploaded by the Election Commission, ensuring greater transparency.
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- Media performs a watchdog role by exposing money power, muscle power, hate speeches, and false propaganda.
- It educates voters on ethical, inducement-free voting practices.
- Election Commission takes cognizance of media-reported violations alongside formal complaints.
- Media also sensitises political leaders and the electorate about MCC provisions and laws regulating conduct during elections.
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- Although the Election Commission does not regulate media directly, it enforces provisions of Representation of the People Act, 1951 and other laws that apply to media. Some key provisions include:
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Key Legal Provisions
- (i) Section 126A: Prohibits exit polls and dissemination of their results from start of polls in the first phase till half an hour after conclusion in the last phase across States and Union Territories.
- (ii) Section 126: Bans display of election matter on TV, cinema, or similar platforms within 48 hours of polling conclusion.
- (iii) Section 127A: Governs printing and publication of pamphlets and posters, mandating details of printer and publisher.
- (iv) Section 171H of IPC: Prohibits unauthorised election expenditure, including advertisements without candidate approval.
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- Media is a partner in voter awareness, bridging the gap between what electors should know and what they actually know.
- Key areas include registration, EPIC/ID proofs, polling stations, EVM use, and poll timings.
- Awareness campaigns help prevent misuse of money and muscle power during elections.
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Target Groups for Voter Awareness
- (a) Youth voters, especially first-time electors.
- (b) Uneducated citizens and weaker socio-economic groups.
- (c) Residents of remote and inaccessible areas.
- The Election Commission collaborates with media houses and civil society to expand participation, urging media to motivate and facilitate inclusive voting.
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- Public service broadcasters like Prasar Bharati must maintain neutrality and objectivity in election coverage.
- Recognised parties are given free broadcast time on All India Radio and Doordarshan to ensure a level playing field.
- Prasar Bharati also contributes to voter education and spreading awareness of electoral rights.
- Other government media bodies such as PIB, DAVP, NFDC, Directorate of Field Publicity, Song and Drama Division, and state-level information departments are encouraged to shoulder similar responsibilities.
