In a recent statement made during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament on August 1, 2024, Raghav Chadha, a Member of Parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has called for a significant change in India's electoral laws. Chadha proposed reducing the minimum age for contesting elections from 25 to 21 years. This move aims to enhance youth participation in Indian politics, reflecting the country's dynamic demographic profile.

Youth Demographics and Political Representation

India is renowned for its young population, with 65 percent of its populace under the age of 35 and 50 percent below 25 years. Despite this youthful demographic, the political landscape remains predominantly occupied by older individuals. Chadha pointed out a stark contrast between past and present parliamentary compositions:

First Lok Sabha Post-Independence: 26 percent of members were under 40 years old.

17th Lok Sabha: Only 12 percent of members are below 40 years.

This generational gap underscores a broader issue where young voices are underrepresented in political decision-making processes.

Current Electoral Age Limits

As it stands, the minimum age for contesting elections in India is:

25 years for Lok Sabha and Assembly polls.

30 years for the Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Council.

Chadha argues that these age requirements are outdated and do not align with the youthful nature of the Indian population. He suggests that reducing the age limit to 21 would better reflect the country's demographic profile and encourage greater engagement from younger citizens.

Chadha’s Rationale

Chadha emphasized that politics is often viewed negatively as a career choice in India. Many young people are guided by their families to pursue professions like medicine, engineering, or law, rather than politics. He argues that this perception needs to change to attract more young leaders into mainstream politics.

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He proposed that the Indian government consider incentivizing youth participation by lowering the minimum age for contesting elections. Chadha’s recommendation aims to inspire young individuals to engage in politics and contribute to shaping the future of the nation.

Conclusion

Raghav Chadha’s proposal to lower the minimum age for election candidates from 25 to 21 years is a bold step towards modernizing Indian politics and increasing youth participation. By aligning electoral age limits with the country's youthful demographics, the move seeks to invigorate the political sphere with new, dynamic voices. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how this proposal will impact the future of Indian politics and whether it will gain traction among lawmakers and the public alike.

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