By May 12, an expected 815 million voters — the equivalent to the combined populations of the U.S. and the European Union — will have gone to the polls to vote in India's general election. With Indian women voting at increasing rates, politicians are attempting to court female voters more than ever. The topic of energy access should not be overlooked in this election — especially since energy can largely affect women's lives and, potentially, their votes.
With elections now in full swing, some Indians have called for party endorsements of a six-point "Womanifesto." This platform is largely focused on women's equality and protection against violence and discrimination. As these issues become increasingly salient, only the new — and increasingly important — Aam Aadmi ("Common Man") Party (AAP) has offered its endorsement so far.