In a notable appeal to the Rajya Sabha, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha has called for a significant change in India's electoral age requirements. Chadha proposed that the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections be lowered from 25 to 21 years. This suggestion comes as part of his broader push to invigorate Indian politics with younger voices.
Chadha emphasised the disparity between the youthful demographic of India and the comparatively older age of its politicians. He argued that the country's current political landscape does not adequately reflect its youthful population, which is one of the youngest in the world. With an average age of 29 and a significant portion of the population under 35, Chadha believes that it is time for political representation to align more closely with the nation’s demographic profile.
He made a compelling case, stating, “If a youth can vote at the age of 18, then why can’t they participate in elections at the age of 21?” According to Chadha, this shift would not only modernise the political arena but also encourage greater engagement from young people who might otherwise be deterred by the current age restrictions. He argued that reducing the age requirement would act as a catalyst for increased youth involvement in politics, which he sees as crucial for the nation’s future.
Chadha's concerns extend beyond mere representation. He pointed out that the perception of politics as a less favourable profession might be a significant factor in the lack of youth participation. By lowering the age limit, he hopes to make politics more accessible and appealing to younger generations.
The current rules stipulate that individuals must be at least 25 years old to stand for Lok Sabha or state assembly elections, and 30 years old to become a member of the Rajya Sabha or State Legislative Council. Chadha’s proposal challenges these norms, advocating for a more inclusive approach that reflects the changing demographic dynamics of India.
This push for reform comes amidst a broader discourse on the need for political rejuvenation. Chadha highlighted a troubling trend: the decreasing percentage of young MPs in the Lok Sabha. He noted that while 26 percent of MPs were below 40 years of age in the first Lok Sabha elections after independence, only 12 percent of the current MPs fall into this age group. This, he argues, underscores the growing disconnect between India’s youthful population and its political representatives.
The proposal to lower the age limit is part of a broader strategy to invigorate Indian politics and encourage more young people to enter the field. By aligning the minimum age for political candidacy with the country’s youthful demographic, Chadha believes that India can better harness the energy and perspectives of its younger citizens.
Raghav Chadha’s advocacy for reducing the minimum age for election candidates is a call to align India’s political representation with its demographic reality. His argument underscores a desire to bridge the gap between the country’s youthful population and its political leaders, aiming to create a more dynamic and representative political landscape.
Follow us
