AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha highlighted the need for more youth in politics. He referenced statistics on the country’s average age and youth population, urging the Upper House to lower the age limit for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
Raghav Chadha pointed out that India’s average age is 29 years, with 65% of the population under 35 and about 50% under 25. He questioned whether our leaders and elected representatives are similarly young. He also noted that when the first Lok Sabha was elected after independence, about 26% of its members were under 40.
#WATCH | In Rajya Sabha, AAP MP Raghav Chadha demands the minimum age for contesting elections in India should be reduced from 25 years to 21 years.
He says “India is one of the youngest countries in the world. 65% of our population is less than 35 years old and 50% of our… pic.twitter.com/NjL8p2Qjmb
— ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2024
Here is what Raghav Chadha said
Raghav Chadha noted that only 12% of the members in the 17th Lok Sabha were under 40. He pointed out that while the country is becoming younger, its leaders are not. He called for a shift towards having younger leaders to match the country’s youthful population.
Chadha said that politics is viewed negatively and parents often encourage their children to become doctors, engineers, or accountants, but rarely suggest a career in politics.
Raghav said we need to encourage youth to enter politics. He suggested lowering the age limit for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections from 25 to 21 years.
The AAP MP said that if an 18-year-old can vote and choose a government, then a 21-year-old should be allowed to run for elections.
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