“We are young country with old politicians”: AAP’s Raghav Chadha wants 21 to be minimum age for contesting elections
First Published: 1st August, 2024 18:03 IST
"We are a young country with old politicians, we must aspire to be a young country with young politicians," Chadha said in the Rajya Sabha.
Stressing the “need to incentivize youth so that they enter into mainstream politics,” Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha on Thursday made a strong pitch in Rajya Sabha to reduce the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in India from 25 years to 21 years.
“We are a young country with old politicians, we must aspire to be a young country with young politicians,” Chadha said in the Rajya Sabha.
Raghav Chadha said, “The age criteria for contesting elections in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha is 25 years. Through the medium of Rajya Sabha, I want to request to the government to make this age 21 for the youth who want to mark their journey in mainstream politics. If a youth can vote at the age of 18, then why can’t they get into the elections at the age of 21?”
Raghav Chadha asserted that India is one of the youngest countries in the world in terms of the average age of its population and deserves representation to reflect that.
Citing the reasons behind less participation by youths, Chadha said, “This is happening because politics is considered a bad profession. I think we need to incentivize our youth so that they come into mainstream politics.”
“India is one of the youngest countries in the world. The average age of Indians is 29 and 65 percent population of India is below 35 years old. More than 50 per cent of the population is less than 50 years old, but the question is: are our representatives also that young? It’s very wonderful to know that in the very first elections of Lok Sabha after independence, 26 per cent of MPs were below the age of 40. But, in this 17th Lok Sabha, only 12 per cent MPs are below the age of 40. The way the country is getting younger, our representatives are getting older,”he added.
At present, the minimum age for an individual to contest Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in India is 25 years, while to become a member of the Rajya Sabha or the State Legislative Council, a person should be at least 30 years of age. (ANI)
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Manipur CM Urges Unity Among Communities at IRB Passing Out Parade in Assam
23rd December 2024Live Child Artiste From Mizoram, Esther Hnamte Wishes Everyone A Merry Christmas And Happy New Year
23rd December 2024Live Mizoram: Christmas & New Year Wishes from Zaipawl Diocese
23rd December 2024Live Nagaland Minister Temjen Imna Along Emphasises Need for Naga Political Settlement
23rd December 2024WE RECOMMEND
Epigamia Co-Founder Rohan Mirchandani Passes Away at 41 Due to Heart Attack
The company’s leadership decided to continue to manage the business.
23rd December 20247 Indian nationals injured in Magdeburg Christmas market attack
Of these,three have been discharged from the hospital, while the Indian Mission is closely monitoring the condition of the remaining victims.
22nd December 2024Nagaland MP Accuses Rahul Gandhi of Standing Too Close to Her, Making Her Feel Uncomfortable
MP Phangnon Konyak has filed a complaint with Rajya Sabha Chairman against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
19th December 2024GRAP Stage IV reintroduced in NCR as AQI breaches 400 mark
This comes after the Air Quality Index in Delhi breached the 400 mark. AQI was recorded as 399 at 9 pm and 401 at 10 pm.
17th December 2024India, Bangladesh to commemorate 1971 war ‘Vijay Diwas’ with annual exchange of veterans today
The event also gave an opportunity to the tribal community to showcase their talent.
16th December 2024