Aam Aadmi Party Member of Parliament (MP) Raghav Chadha has demanded the minimum age for contesting elections in India should be reduced from existing 25 years to 21 years. This, Chadha said, will help increase the participation of youth in Indian politics.
“India is one of the youngest countries in the world. 65% of our population is less than 35 years old and 50% of our population is less than 25 years old” Chadha said speaking in Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament on August 1.
#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
When the first Lok Sabha was elected after Independence, Chadha said, 26 per cent of members were less than 40 years old. “In the 17th Lok Sabha (the last Lok Sabha), only 12 per cent of members were less than 40 years old. We are a young country with old politicians, we must aspire to become a young country with young politicians,” Chadha said.
“I have a suggestion for the government of India: the minimum age for contesting elections should be reduced from 25 years to 21 years,” he said.
(This is a developing story. Check back for updates)