One of the most remarkable developments in contemporary Indian politics is the explosion in women’s political participation. For example, between 2009 and 2014, 27% more women attended election rallies, party meetings, and canvassed on behalf of political parties. But paradoxically, this growth was most pronounced for women voting for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a right-wing religiously conservative party whose ideology of Hindutva (Hindu-ness) assigns women to traditional gender roles within the household. What explains the BJP’s success at engaging women in public spaces?

For a sketch of the argument, research design, and evidence, please click here! In case you want to know more, please e-mail me at achowdhury@fas.harvard.edu!