AAP MP Raghav Chadha speaks for increasing representation of youth in politics

New Delhi/ Chandigarh , August 1, 2024: Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has demanded that the minimum age for contesting elections in India be reduced from the current 25 to 21 years to increase youth participation in politics.   

Speaking in the Upper House today, Raghav Chadha said India is one of the youngest countries in the world. “The average age of our country is only 29 years. 65% of our country's population is below 35 years of age. More than 50% of our country's population is below 25 years of age. But are our elected representatives also so young?” he reasoned.

He said when the first Lok Sabha (in 1952) was elected in this country, 26% of the people in that Lok Sabha were below 40 years of age and in the 17th Lok Sabha (dissolved on June 16) only 12% of the people were below 40 years of age. So as the country is getting younger, our elected representatives are getting far away from that youth. “We are a young country with old politicians, we must aspire to become a young country with young politicians,” he said. 

The Rajya Sabha MP said this is happening because politics is considered to be a bad profession. When a child grows up, their parents tell them to become a doctor, an engineer, a sportsperson, a scientist, a chartered accountant. “No one says that when they grow up, they should become a leader, join politics. So, I feel that today we need to incentivise the youth so that they come into the mainstream politics of India,” he said. 

Raghav Chadha said the age for contesting elections in this country is 25 years. Whether it is Lok Sabha election or Vidhan Sabha election, the minimum age should be 25 years to contest that election, he added.

Urging the government to increase the participation of youth in politics, Raghav Chadha said, “I would like to request the government to reduce the age from 25 to 21 years and if a 21-year-old youth wants to join mainstream politics and contest elections, he should be allowed to do so. When the youth of the country can vote at the age of 18 and choose their government, can choose the future of the country, then they can definitely contest elections at the age of 21.”