In a compelling speech in the Rajya Sabha, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha advocated for a significant change in India’s electoral laws. He proposed reducing the minimum age required to contest Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections from 25 to 21 years. Chadha’s argument centered on the need for increased youth participation in politics, reflecting India’s young demographic and addressing the current age disparity in political representation.
BulletsIn
- Raghav Chadha, AAP MP, delivered a speech in the Rajya Sabha calling for electoral reforms.
- He proposed lowering the minimum age to contest Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections from 25 to 21 years.
- Chadha emphasized the importance of youth participation in mainstream politics.
- He noted that India is a young country with a predominantly older political class.
- Chadha argued that if 18-year-olds can vote, they should be eligible to run for office at 21.
- India has a median age of 29, with 65% of the population under 35 years old.
- Despite this, only 12% of current MPs are under 40 years old, compared to 26% after independence.
- The current minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections is 25 years.
- Chadha’s proposal aims to align the political landscape with the country’s youthful demographics.
- He believes lowering the age requirement would encourage more young people to pursue careers in politics.
