Does polarization help win elections? How have smartphones changed Indian politics? Did the Balakot strike make the difference in 2019? Why are women a distinct voting bloc in some states but not in others? Why does GDP growth have almost no impact on election outcomes? Since 2014, Pradeep Gupta and Axis My India have established themselves as India’s most accurate and trusted election forecasters. Between 2013 and 2020, the Axis My India forecast was the most accurate in 95 per cent of state and general elections. Now Gupta takes us on a journey through the art and science of elections in the world’s largest democracy. Based on years of field interviews and analysis, he gives us a masterclass – provocative, entertaining and enlightening – in how and why Indians choose their leaders. ‘Pradeep Gupta is the gold standard of polling in India.’ Kalli Purie, Vice-Chairperson, India Today Group ‘Pradeep Gupta has put into this book his experience of conducting election surveys all over India for almost a decade.’ Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh ‘I believe Pradeep Gupta’s success comes from his deep understanding of voter psychology which goes beyond market research and statistics. In How India Votes, he delves deep into the voter’s psyche and takes the reader on an insightful journey through how Indians choose their leaders.’ Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
Pradeep Gupta is India’s top psephologist and chairman and managing director of Axis My India, which has successfully predicted 44 out of 46 exit polls since 2013. A Harvard Business School (USA) alumnus, Gupta is a leading name in market research.