Participation of women in 16th Lok Sabha elections

The Multi-Phase Lok Sabha elections for 16th Lok Sabha were held in 28 states and 7 union territories. The 36 days long voting process began on 7th April 2014 and concluded on 12 May. The results were declared on 16 May 2014. The elections concluded with a voter turnout of 66 percent which is highest recorded after 1984. Women's representation has marginally increased to 11.2 in 2014, from 10.9 percent of 15th Lok Sabha. These elections will be remembered in Indian history for tectonic shifts in Indian politics. For, BJP emerged as a single largest party to power, Congress party's defeat, some regional parties flourished and others fizzled out, growing size and importance of the middle class, leadership factor, ‘Modi wave’, and media exposure on elections. What remained unchanged or not very drastic is the participation and presence of women in Indian politics. India's women, who form 49% of the population, have consistently been under-represented in the Lok Sabha. The elections of 2014 are no exception. Out of 644 women candidates, 61 won seats to the Lower House, only two more than in 2009. Present paper makes an attempt to analyse women participation in 16th Lok Sabha elections. Paper concludes that low participation of women should be discussed as main agenda for ensuring equitable and participatory democracy.