BJP and Congress clash over youth representation in polls

The issue of giving opportunities to youth in politics is often discussed by political parties. However, the reality is that they only involve them up to the level of party officials or activists. When it comes to contesting elections, both BJP and Congress prioritise leaders with more experience than youth.

During the ticket distribution for the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly elections, both BJP and Congress demonstrated this. While Congress talked about giving more opportunities to youth during the brainstorming session in Mewad, the BJP also consistently supports youth. However, the reality is that Congress has 19 leaders over 70 years of age on its list. Among them, three are over 80 years old. On the other hand, while BJP has set the age limit at 75, it has fielded 9 candidates over the age of 70.

BJP-Congress youth representation:
Typically, people up to the age of 40 are considered youth. This age is also considered youth in politics. However, some consider people up to the age of 50 as youth in politics. But when it comes to youth aged up to 40, both BJP and Congress have given tickets to selected leaders. The youngest BJP candidate is Anshuman Singh with an age of 27. Meanwhile, Congress has nominated 25-year-old Sanjana Jatav. BJP has given tickets to 135 leaders aged 51 to 75. In contrast, Congress has 79 candidates under the age of 50. Although 4 tickets have been given to candidates over 80, there are 34candidates in the 40 and below age group, which is almost twice as many as BJP.

BJP imposes ‘Rider’ at 75 years of age:
In Rajasthan, BJP has not given tickets to leaders over 75 years of age. Former Assembly Speaker Kailash Meghwal and Surajkanta Vyas, MLA from Soorsagar, did not get tickets. Although action has been taken against Kailash Meghwal for disciplinary reasons.
However, the party argues that tickets have not been given to leaders over 75 years of age. Nevertheless, BJP has fielded 74-year-old Vasudev Devnani, 75-year-old Ratan Jaldhari, 72-year-old Kalicharan Saraf, Pabba Ram Vishnoi, Narpat Singh Rajvi, Kirori Lal Meena, and 70-year-old Vasundhara Raje.

Congress has no restrictions on aged leaders:
On the other hand, Congress has not imposed any rider on the age of leaders. In this regard, 84-year-old Ameen Khan, along with 83-year-old Deepchand Kheriya and Harimohan Sharma, and 80-year-old Mahadev Singh, have been nominated as candidates. Along with them, many leaders over 70 years of age are also contesting elections