PVLF 2025

Interview with Poonam Agarwal, Author of “India Inked”

Poonam Aggarwal’s India Inked uncovers India’s electoral machinery with journalistic grit, personal insight, and a call to defend democracy.
on Jul 24, 2025

Frontlist: Poonam, your debut book India Inked, offers a sweeping yet deeply personal look at the Indian electoral system. What inspired you to document this massive democratic machinery in your very first book?

Poonam: “India Inked” is a reflection of my journey and experiences as a journalist. I feel fortunate to have been able to combine my reporting with the larger subject of India’s electoral processes. Delving into the world of Indian elections has never been an easy path for me—and truthfully, it remains a daunting endeavor even today. My book’s editor, Chirag Thakkar, helped me shape the structure of the chapters, as this was my first attempt to share my personal experiences in a book. The impetus behind this book was born out of two urgent realities—the explosive revelations of the Electoral Bonds, and the growing sense of disillusionment among voters toward the Election Commission of India. I felt an unshakable need to write this book, both as a means to enlighten every Indian voter, and to offer a spark of hope to aspiring journalists who, after reading these pages, might come to believe that journalism in India is not a dying flame, but one still burning bright with purpose.”

Frontlist: India Inked captures the logistical marvel and human grit behind elections, from officers on glaciers to voters in jungles. What was the most unexpected or unforgettable moment you encountered during your research?

Poonam: I was truly amazed by the foresight of India’s first Chief Election Commissioner, Sukumar Sen, who was given the huge responsibility of conducting the first election in independent India. He planned the electoral process so carefully that much of what he created is still followed by the Election Commission today. One important decision was to assign symbols to political parties, so that even illiterate voters could identify their party’s candidate on the ballot paper and cast their vote. Over time, these symbols have become the identity of political parties. Sen also made sure that every citizen had the opportunity to vote, which is the core of a true democracy. While doing my research, I came across many such unforgettable moments. I made an honest attempt to present these realities through storytelling, so readers can relate to them and remember them not just as history, but as moments to be proud of.

Frontlist: Given your legacy in exposing political corruption, how did your investigative lens shape the narrative of India Inked? Was it hard to separate reportage from authorship?

Poonam: Investigative reporting and writing a book have one thing in common — both require a deep understanding of the subject. However, there is a difference. Writing an investigative article may take a few days once all the necessary information is gathered, and then we move on to the next story. Writing a book, on the other hand, is a much larger undertaking—you never feel completely

satisfied, even after it is published, and you often think you could have added more.

For my book, I followed the same careful process I use for articles: I gathered information, verified every fact, and supported each point with proper citations. But unlike online articles, a printed book cannot be revised or updated later. This thought worried me many times while writing. Thus, I maintained a strict and thorough research routine from start to finish.

Frontlist: As a debut author, did you feel India Inked got the critical and public attention it truly deserved, especially considering the scale and relevance of the subject?

Poonam: This question is for my readers to answer, not me. There are few books on this topic, and I hope mine will help future generations understand that free and fair elections are the backbone of democracy. Holding transparent and reliable polls is the responsibility of the Election Commission of India. Therefore, voters should never hesitate to ask the Commission the right questions.

Frontlist: Your work on electoral bonds helped influence a Supreme Court judgement. How did that victory impact your approach while writing about the Indian electoral system in India Inked?

Poonam: This landmark Supreme Court judgment stands as a triumph for all who cherish transparency in political finance. It has rekindled hope in countless hearts, reminding us that justice and accountability are not lost causes. As the saying goes, the world loves a victor’s tale—had the Court not struck down that opaque scheme, this book might never have taken shape.

Frontlist: Despite being a non-fiction debut, India Inked reads with the urgency of a political thriller. Was it intentional to make the electoral process so immersive for readers?

Poonam: Of course, I want people to read my book and share it with others, and this will only happen if they find it worth their time and their minds left aflame with fresh insights.

Frontlist: What do you hope India Inked will change about how both Indian and international readers perceive the world’s largest democracy?

Poonam: Through this book, I hope readers everywhere learn the details of how elections are held in India and how our forefathers shaped these processes over time. Unfortunately, in recent years the Election Commission—a constitutional body—has faced an integrity crisis. If the EC does not take immediate steps to fix this and regain voters’ trust, I fear a day may come when people boycott voting. I hope this book serves as an eye-opener.

Frontlist: With India Inked, you’ve transitioned from award-winning documentaries to a book. What challenges did you face in making that shift, and do you plan to write more?

Poonam: Penning a book demands unwavering discipline and is like a full-time job. My biggest challenge was spending long hours researching and finding the right information. There is not enough material available, either online or offline, about the Election Commission of India. I spoke with several experts to gain a deeper understanding of issues like One Nation One Election to the Commission’s evolving mandate. I definitely plan to write many more books.