DECLARATION

In this project, I have explained and given the abstract, introduction and synopsis of my Political
science project " the voting pattern in India". I have tried to explain the subject matter and the
importance, presented the traces of origin and the evolution of the same. I hope there are no
issues and apologies for any inconsistencies.

Thank you
Jashaswee Mishra

ABSTRACT

The very essence of a democracy is the voting rights. This project would cover the origin of
universal adult suffrage, the journey of rights that evolved from discrimination. This research will
primarily discuss about the aspects of voting rights in Indian democracy, the voting pattern that
is seen and the differences that have occurred since decades. The widened voting rights
increased political instability and competition to some stretch. Even after various experiments,
implementation of those thoughts, proper execution, the share of eligible voters was not
significant. Since then, there have been inconsistent instances and records of voter’s turnout.
There are diverse patterns in the way an Indian citizen votes, it is not always congruous. The
votes of the youth, the women, the first-time voters, the minorities depend on the parameters and
their individual demands. Being in a pluralistic society, the heterogeneity and difference in
ideology also influences the consequence. The geographical vogue is another component; social
construct is also an ingredient. The pattern, the country’s citizen vote is subjective to the parties
contesting and the party’s manifesto. The voting behavior in India has never been identical for
years; it has evolved and is dynamic in nature. This project primarily aims at understanding the
mindsets of Indian voters and the factors that influence mindsets. In this part, the project briefly
discusses about the scope of rights in the present scenario and the social disparity that influences
the voting turnover.

SYNOPSIS

Objective of the study

1) To discuss the evolution of voting rights and suffrage.

2) To understand the voting behavior in Indian society.
 3) To trace the origin of pluralism and analysis of after effect of the same.
4) To understand the future prospects of voting in India.

Literature review

The researcher has used online resources primarily, referred various articles and journals. Have
used statistical data and gathered information from the library databases.

Research methodology
The researcher has used the primary and the secondary sources of data. This is a doctrinal
study. The researcher has emphasized on the doctrinal and the analytical aspects. Various
comparisons and statistics are presented in the project, the terms are well defined.

Scope of the study

This study has been limited to the evolution of voting rights and the voting behavior of Indian
public. There has been specific importance given for understanding different mindsets of Indian
citizens while voting.

Significance of the study.

This study shall help readers to understand the importance of voting rights and the Indian
elections. The reader will understand what influences the voters, how the NOTA margin have
functioned and what differences have occurred while comparing the present scenario to the
earlier decades. The reader will understand the future prospects of Indian elections and voting
trends.

Research questions.
1) What factors have influenced the Indian voters and the voting turnover in specific
constituencies?
2) Is the social disparity in Indian public reflected in Indian elections?
3) How does the NOTA impact the voting behavior in Indian elections?

INTRODUCTION
In the present day India, where most of the citizens have the freedom to vote and to participate in
the democracy, the adversity remains the same. Despite, the entitlement for voting, the voter
turnout is still below average in some places, as compared to other developing nations. The term
“voting rights” is also known as suffrage. The word suffrage is derived from Latin suffragium,
later came to mean political patronage. In the British regime, under the colonial rule, only a
certain class was given the privilege to vote, based on their income, property and educational
standards. With the onset of democratic struggle, people engaged in working for the welfare of
the society and demanded the universal right to vote. The voting rights are provided by the
constitution and the representation of people’s act, 1951. The right to vote is a constitutional
right, every citizen of India regardless of their race, caste or creed have the right under the
citizenship act. The afore mentioned act grants them protection under the 15th amendment. The
essence of democracy is people’s participation in the working of the country. But exotically the
country did not see any insurgency in people’s will to participate in the representative
government. The trends that followed the suffrage, which was adopted for political participation,
along with two major reforms in 1935 and 1950, showed very minute difference in voter turnout
as compared to the earlier provincial elections held in between 1921 - 1957. The first election in
the provinces was held in 1921. The voting criteria differed place to place; other factors mattered
such as population, education. On an average, across the country only 2.5% of population was
allowed to vote. In this mean time, along with suffrage, a secondary plan was made; the
government of India act, 1935 expanded the voter turnout to around 10.4% by relaxing the
income threshold. In 1950, after India being declared as democratic and republic country
proposed having amelioration. The voting rights in India developed with the adoption of
universal adult franchise. The adoption of the principle gave the realization of the constitution’s
implications. With the adult suffrage, the voting rights expanded to 49% of the population. These
rights gave birth to a new individualism and independency. With the development of voting
rights, different trends were observed. Different variations in the demographic aspects were
visible, which were influenced by some social factors and some by dynamic factors. With the
onset of elections being conducted regularly, instances of irregular patterns increased. This
project will discuss the individual factors that mattered, the orientation and introduction of
NOTA in Indian elections and the future of voting in India.