What do Indian women want from poll? Women queue to vote inside a polling station during the third phase of the general election in Ahmedabad, India, on May 7. Alongside Ram, the hero of the Hindu epic the Ramayana, the BJP venerates his loyal wife, Sita — calling on Indian women to be sacrificial, devoted, modern-day domestic queens meant to serve the patriarchy. Better employment is one of the top wishlist items for Indian women, who also tell reporters that they want safety in public spaces, a check on inflation, and better education and health facilities. “The women in my family were very hopeful when Mr Modi first came because he talked a lot about what will help women,” she said.
