Women's Day Special: 15 most influential female Indian politicians

Sonia Gandhi

The numero uno of Congress party needs no introduction. Sonia Gandhi retained the post of Congress president for the longest period in its century-old history. She is also the chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). When Congress party emerged victorious in 2004 Lok Sabha elections, she humbly declined to take up the post of Prime Minister of India. (REUTERS)

In This Pic : Sonia Gandhi

Sushma Swaraj

Sushma Swaraj is the second female politician to hold the post of Union Minister of External Affairs of India after Indira Gandhi. The BJP leader is a seven times Member of Parliament and three times Member of the Legislative Assembly. (REUTERS)

In This Pic : ​Sushma Swaraj

Sheila Dikshit

Sheila Dikshit is an influential leader of Congress party, who remained Chief Minister of Delhi for three consecutive terms. She became the governor of Kerala on 11 March 2014. However, resigned from the post on 25 August 2014.

In This Pic : Sheila Dikshit

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

Mamata Banerjee

A few weeks back, she locked horns with the centre over CBI's investigation in Saradha chit fund scam. On her instruction, state police detained CBI officials when they arrived at former Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar for questioning. She is the first woman Chief Minister of West Bengal, who dethroned the 34-year-old left front government in West Bengal.

In This Pic : Mamata Banerjee

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

Mayawati

One of the most powerfull Dalit leader in India, Mayawati has become chief minister of Uttar Pradesh four times. Mayawati's alliance with Akhilesh Yadav will play a crucial role in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

In This Pic : mayawati

Pic Courtesy : BCCL