{"id":21904,"date":"2026-04-19T18:26:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T18:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youthdemocracycohort.com\/?post_type=storiesprojects&p=21904"},"modified":"2026-04-21T19:30:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T19:30:18","slug":"chapter-10-by-ambar-kumar-ghosh","status":"publish","type":"storiesprojects","link":"https:\/\/youthdemocracycohort.com\/fr\/stories\/chapter-10-by-ambar-kumar-ghosh\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 10 by Ambar Kumar Ghosh"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Youth Participation in India\u2019s Legislative Politics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Young policymakers, as youth representatives, are essential for ensuring that young people\u2019s voices, aspirations, demands, and challenges are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.<\/em> However, research in 2024 revealed that the average age of world leaders from 1945 to 2023 was 57, far above the average age of the global population. The study further indicated that only 2.4% of countries had a leader aged 35 or under.<\/a>[i]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, less than 3% of the world\u2019s parliamentarians are under the age of 30, which is a matter of great concern. The data suggests that 68% of legislators worldwide are over 45, making the spectrum of youth representation in global parliamentary politics extremely narrow.[ii]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India, as the world\u2019s largest democracy, has a vibrant multiparty parliamentary system with a federal structure.[iii]<\/sup><\/a> As of 2024, India had 420 million people officially categorised as \u201cyouth\u201d \u2013 that is, between 15 and 29 years of age.[iv]<\/sup><\/a> India has an emerging young population with tremendous potential to buttress the country\u2019s economic growth and ideational, technological, and scientific advances. Adequate representation of young voices in India\u2019s democratic institutions is therefore crucial. Given the country\u2019s robust democracy, which now has nearly 1 billion voters, youth representation in India\u2019s multilayered legislative structures is a vital marker of the inclusivity of its political institutions.[v]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this context, this chapter analyses the nature of youth political participation in Indian democracy. The study focuses on the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India\u2019s national parliament) and a selection of Vidhan Sabhas (state legislative assemblies) from five states: West Bengal, Assam, Punjab, Kerala, and Rajasthan. The study investigates youth representation in India\u2019s national and state legislatures and seeks to understand the institutional and procedural hurdles for young Indians seeking to participate in electoral politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chapter is divided into four parts. First, it offers a brief profile of India\u2019s youth population and looks at the evolution of youth representation in the country\u2019s electoral politics in general. Second, it takes a deep dive into youth representation in India\u2019s national parliament and selected state legislative assemblies in the last decade and a half. Third, the study analyses the persistent challenges for greater youth political participation in India, bearing in mind the country\u2019s multidimensional diversity. Finally, the chapter explores possible institutional reforms to ensure more inclusive youth representation in India in future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ambar Kumar Ghosh <\/strong>is an Associate Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation and a PhD researcher at Jadavpur University, focusing on democratic institutions, governance, and populist politics in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get to know Ambar<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Methodology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This study confines its scope to the last decade and a half, for two reasons. On the one hand, this period coincides with India\u2019s changing demographic dynamics, as the country\u2019s population has, on average, become younger over recent years.[vi]<\/sup><\/a> On the other hand, this period covers the tenures of two key national governments: the 2004\u201314 United Progressive Alliance, led by the Indian National Congress; and the National Democratic Alliance, dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party and in power since 2014.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the situation at the national level, the analysis also focuses on youth representation in a selection of India\u2019s state legislative assemblies. Apart from the two major national parties, regional political forces are in government in several Indian states. Including an analysis of state-level politics therefore broadens the scope of the study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first part of the analysis uses disaggregated data on India\u2019s national and state legislators along with relevant secondary literature. For the second part, primary data was collected to offer an understanding of the opportunities and challenges of youth political participation. Limited in-depth interviews were conducted with young politicians and political hopefuls, and focus group discussions were held with young political actors, young citizens, and members of the general electorate. Thirty experts, including researchers, journalists, election officials, and academics working on youth politics, were also consulted to gather their insights. A quota sampling method was used to choose the respondents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This chapter uses both quantitative and qualitative research methods. For the quantitative data on youth representation, a descriptive statistical method is used to graphically represent the data. For the qualitative primary data collected through interviews and focus group discussions, discourse analysis is the method adopted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding India\u2019s youth<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

India has a substantial youth population. According to government data, 65% of Indian populace is under the age of 35.[vii]<\/sup><\/a> In terms of young people\u2019s geographic distribution, a 2024 survey by People Research on India\u2019s Consumer Economy revealed a roughly 2:1 split between rural and urban areas. Of a total of 420 million young voters, about 20 million (nearly 5%) cast their votes for the first time in 2024.[viii]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to understand Indians\u2019 education profile, as it is a key driver of informed participation in public life. In 2024, around 31% of young Indians were university graduates, about 22% had received higher secondary education, and 13% were matriculates, meaning they had passed the 10th-grade secondary school leaving exam. Roughly 13% had only completed primary schooling, and 3% were recorded as illiterate. Thus, it is clear that young Indians have a relatively strong educational profile.[ix]<\/sup><\/a> Notably, India\u2019s southern states have more young people in higher education than other regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of young people\u2019s economic participation, the data is more revealing. Nearly 40% of young Indians are earners, collectively contributing some 43% of India\u2019s total disposable household income.[x]<\/sup><\/a> As for their financial and digital inclusion, 84% have a registered bank account and 81% have a mobile phone, with a sizeable number of youth people using the internet and online payment interfaces.[xi]<\/sup><\/a> Hence, a substantial section of India\u2019s youth population has the educational qualifications and the digital and financial skills that are crucial for informed political participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Indian constitution allows anybody aged 25 or over to stand in direct elections for the Lok Sabha or the state legislative assemblies.[xii]<\/sup><\/a> Yet India\u2019s youth population has a low presence in the country\u2019s legislative politics. In the first two and half decades of Indian democracy, the average age of Lok Sabha members of parliament (MPs) was between 46 and 50. Over the years, the parliament has grown older, with the average age of MPs ranging from mid-40s to mid-50s (figure 10.1).[xiii]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figure 10.1. Average ages of Lok Sabha MPs and India\u2019s population, 1952\u20132024<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Figure<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Notably, the percentage of young MPs \u2013 those aged from 25 to 40 \u2013 in the Lok Sabha has declined over the decades from 30% to 10%. Young people\u2019s levels of turnout on election day have also plummeted in recent years.[xiv]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Youth participation in legislative politics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The share of Lok Sabha MPs aged 25\u201345 has been low across the last four legislative terms, although the parliaments elected in 2014 and 2024 did slightly better in terms of youth representation (figure 10.2). Over this time, MPs aged 25\u201335 have never made up more than 3% of the total, while those aged 35\u201345 have not exceeded 12%. In all of the last four terms, the largest group of MPs has consisted of those aged 55\u201365, followed by those aged 45\u201355 and then 65\u201375. Around 4\u20138% of all MPs are over 75 years of age. In short, the bulk of MPs in the Indian parliament are aged 45\u201365, while youth representation is visibly low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figure 10.2. Age distribution of Lok Sabha MPs, 2009\u201324<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Figure<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sources: PRS Legislative, Myneta.info, Election Commission of India.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among India\u2019s young MPs, female parliamentarians are even less well represented than their male counterparts (figure 10.3). Young female politicians appear to face higher barriers to entry into parliament because of social and structural factors discussed below.[xv]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figure 10.3. Age and gender distribution of Lok Sabha MPs, 2009\u201324<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Figure<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The data further reveals that as in the Lok Sabha, most members of India\u2019s state legislative assemblies (MLAs) are over 45 years of age (figure 10.4). The data is also similarly skewed against young female legislators. However, a few states have slightly higher proportions of MLAs aged 35\u201345 than do the Lok Sabha and other states. For instance, 17% of MLAs in West Bengal\u2019s 17th legislative assembly were in this age bracket, as were 23% of MLAs in Punjab\u2019s 16th assembly and 18% in Assam\u2019s 14th assembly. Meanwhile, the number of MLAs aged 25\u201335 is abysmally low for most states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figure 10.4. Age distribution of members of selected state legislative assemblies in the last two elections<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Figure<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To understand whether young Indians are unable to win elections or are not contesting the elections in the first place, the analysis looked at a breakdown of candidates at the last Lok Sabha election in 2024. The data revealed that political parties in India put forward very limited numbers of young candidates (figure 10.5). Interestingly, a sizeable number of young candidates who do not have the support of an established party stand as independents, but they are often unable to win because of structural limitations, especially a lack of political capital and financial backing.[xvi]<\/sup><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Figure 10.5. Age distribution of Lok Sabha candidates, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Figure<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The European Partnership for Democracy\u2019s 2025 Global Youth Participation Index confirms a low level of youth participation in electoral politics not only in India but also in many other countries. The report attributes this low participation to structural and logistical barriers rather than to political apathy among young people.[xvii]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barriers to youth participation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Interviews and focus group discussions revealed five key challenges that young people in India face in participating in electoral politics: the role of money, centralised party structures, disillusionment with politics, dynasticism, and greater hurdles for women. These institutional, structural, procedural, and socioeconomic factors cumulatively hinder young people\u2019s involvement in India\u2019s political life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The growing salience of money<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The exponentially rising costs of a career in electoral politics are deterring many young Indians from entering politics.[xviii]<\/sup><\/a> Many interviewees admitted that the increasing costs involved in building political networks, gaining party nominations, taking up mass-mobilisation initiatives, running election campaigns, managing polling stations on election day, and securing social media outreach made it extremely difficult to effectively fight and win elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the study participants, legacy candidates and privileged veteran politicians with adequate social capital overshadow younger and poorer candidates. Less well privileged but committed young political hopefuls reported that the rising costs of electoral politics were a \u201cmajor discouragement for them to continue in politics\u201d.[xix]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Centralised party structures<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

India\u2019s major political parties tend to nominate very limited numbers of young candidates because of the parties\u2019 highly centralised structures.[xx]<\/sup><\/a> The dominance of veteran politicians and party leaderships, on the one hand, and parties\u2019 concerns about the electability of new and younger candidates, on the other, act as major impediments to bringing young people into electoral politics. Many young, vibrant, ambitious, articulate, and committed individuals are therefore unable to secure their party\u2019s nomination to contest an election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, many young aspiring parliamentarians are compelled to stand as independent candidates. However, because they lack resources and political capital, few independents win elections. Many of these young, driven politicians are then deterred from contesting the next election as they reel from \u201cfinancial distress and lack of motivation\u201d.[xxi]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Negative perspectives of political careers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A crucial finding of this study is that many young people are disillusioned with politics and sceptical of embracing it as a career. They feel demotivated and discouraged by a strong societal perception that politics is an \u201cimmoral, corrupt, unstable, and violent career\u201d.[xxii]<\/sup><\/a> Many young individuals who are driven and want to serve their nation and society are apprehensive about devoting their life to electoral politics, which is perceived to be marred by violence, defamation, and financial risk. Several young political hopefuls interviewed for this study lamented that despite their willingness to contribute to India\u2019s nation-building, they have stayed out of politics because of their own inhibitions and those of their families about a career in politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The prevalence of dynastic politics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The strength of dynastic politics in India has enabled many young members of famous families to successfully enter and thrive in electoral politics, as they have the necessary resources and privilege to do so. Meanwhile, many less well privileged would-be contenders feel that this situation hinders their participation in electoral politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many interviewees confided that the prevalence of dynastic politics and the dominance of legacy candidates kept \u201cnon-dynastic and under-privileged youth\u201d away from electoral politics.[xxiii]<\/sup><\/a> While young people with strong political family connections or some other financial or social legacy that gives them access to political leaders can easily receive party nominations through their networks, those who are not privileged in this way are neglected and kept outside the electoral competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greater hurdles for female politicians<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, a notable number of young female interviewees who wanted to enter politics revealed that they experienced perceptible discrimination. As non-privileged young women, they face a harder struggle than their male counterparts to secure a party ticket or access the financial and social capital needed to contest and win expensive elections. What is more, fear of violence, humiliation, social prejudice, and structural barriers in political life deter many talented and committed young women from taking part in India\u2019s electoral politics.[xxiv]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recommendations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Based on the views of various stakeholders and experts consulted for this chapter, and drawing on insights from other related studies, this section offers some recommendations for how to increase youth participation in India\u2019s parliamentary politics.[xxv]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Youth quotas in party nominations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Political parties should have a legally enforceable mechanism to reserve at least one-third of all nominations for candidates under the age of 45. Sub-quotas would ensure that this allocation goes to the socially and economically marginalised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limits on money and muscle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Effective legal measures and stringent safeguards by the Election Commission of India are essential to reduce the growing salience of money and the role of antisocial behaviour and violence in politics. This would encourage young, non-privileged, but interested political hopefuls to enter electoral politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greater public awareness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Political actors and other stakeholders should launch awareness campaigns to educate voters about the importance of having more young leaders in politics. These campaigns should encourage young people to become more politically aware and take an active part in political life without fear or hesitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A special emphasis on bringing more young women into politics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Young female politicians and aspiring candidates find it particularly difficult to enter electoral politics. As such, structural reforms and societal transformation are needed to make India\u2019s electoral politics more inclusive by giving young and committed women from non-privileged backgrounds a strong voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is crucial to engage India\u2019s young people in the country\u2019s electoral politics in general and its legislative structures in particular. Under India\u2019s system of parliamentary democracy, youth representation in the national legislature has a direct bearing on the presence of young leaders in the executive branch and the institutions of government. India has a large young population, so appropriate representation of youth voices in the country\u2019s politics is a prerequisite not only for India\u2019s advancement and well-being but also to ensure more responsive, inclusive, and democratic institutional structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most importantly, young people have an inalienable democratic right to be represented in the institutions of democracy. Effective measures are therefore crucial to mitigate the institutional and procedural barriers to greater youth representation in India\u2019s legislative politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore the Full Study<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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This chapter is part of a Deep Dive of Young Researchers who worked on Youth Participation for three years. This deep dive is a global collection of 12 case studies unpacking how young people are reshaping political engagement.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Young Researchers\u2019 Network<\/strong> is an initiative developed in the framework of the European Democracy Hub<\/a><\/strong> and EPD\u2019s Women and Youth in Democracy<\/a><\/strong> WYDE Civic Engagement<\/strong> project, supported by the European Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get to know the 12 Young Researchers<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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[i]<\/a> Daniel Stockemer and Kamila Kolodzieczyk, \u201cThe Age of World Leaders: A Comprehensive Discussion\u201d, Sociology Compass<\/em> 19, no. 5 (2024), https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/soc4.70074<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[ii]<\/a> \u201cData on Age: Global and Regional Averages\u201d, Inter-Parliamentary Union, https:\/\/data.ipu.org\/age-brackets-aggregate\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[iii]<\/a> Ramachandra Guha, India After Gandhi<\/em> (HarperCollins, 2007).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[iv]<\/a> Rajesh Shukla, \u201cIndia\u2019s Young Harbour Big Plans\u201d, People\u2019s Research on India\u2019s Consumer Economy, 4 May 2024, https:\/\/www.price360.in\/articlesdetails.php?url=indias-young-harbour-big-plans<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[v]<\/a> \u201cIndia Election 2024: The World\u2019s Largest Democracy Votes\u201d, Institute of Development Studies, 16 May 2024, https:\/\/www.ids.ac.uk\/news\/india-election-2024-the-worlds-largest-democracy-votes\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[vi]<\/a> David Born, \u201cIndia\u2019s Economic Success Factors and the Social and Cultural Challenges for Further Progress\u201d, Roland Berger, 20 January 2025, https:\/\/www.rolandberger.com\/en\/Insights\/Publications\/India-s-remarkable-economic-ascent-A-distinct-story-of-growth.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[vii]<\/a> \u201cIndia\u2019s Growing Focus on Youth and Sports\u201d, Press Information Bureau, Government of India, 1 February 2025, https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=149107<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[viii]<\/a> Shukla, \u201cIndia\u2019s Young\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[ix]<\/a> Shukla, \u201cIndia\u2019s Young\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[x]<\/a> Shukla, \u201cIndia\u2019s Young\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xi]<\/a> Press Trust of India, \u201cOver 82% of Rural Youth Able to Use Internet in India, Says Govt Survey\u201d, Business Standard<\/em>, 9 October 2024, https:\/\/www.business-standard.com\/india-news\/over-82-of-rural-youth-able-to-use-internet-in-india-says-govt-survey-124100901062_1.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xii]<\/a> Pankaj Kumar Patel and T.V. Sekher, \u201cYoung India, Ageing Parliament\u201d, Economic and Political Weekly<\/em> IIX, no. 31 (2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xiii]<\/a> Pankaj Kumar Patel, \u201cNavigating Challenges and Opportunities: Youth Representation in the Indian Parliament\u201d, Research Gate<\/em>, May 2025, https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/391430998_Navigating_Challenges_and_Opportunities_Youth_Representation_in_the_Indian_Parliament<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xiv]<\/a> Samreen Wani, \u201cRegistered Youth Voters Hits Decades-Low\u201d, Rediff<\/em>, 29 April 2024, https:\/\/www.rediff.com\/news\/report\/india-votes-2024-registered-youth-voters-hits-decades-low\/20240429.htm<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xv]<\/a> Niranjan Sahoo and Ambar Kumar Ghosh, \u201cCost of Politics in India\u201d, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, March 2025, https:\/\/costofpolitics.net\/asia-and-the-pacific\/india<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xvi]<\/a> Trilok Kothapalli, \u201cThe Youth Dilemma in Indian Politics\u201d, Student Opinion, Kautilya School of Public Policy, https:\/\/www.kspp.edu.in\/blog\/the-youth-dilemma-in-indian-politics<\/a>; Jagdeep Chhokar, \u201cWhy Independents Fail to Make a Mark in Elections\u201d, Hindustan Times<\/em>, 5 July 2018, https:\/\/www.hindustantimes.com\/analysis\/why-independents-fail-to-make-a-mark-in-elections\/story-CGVDaOu9tHErZmqpv0lBtI.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xvii]<\/a> \u201cGlobal Youth Participation Index (GYPI)\u201d, Youth Democracy Cohort, 2025, https:\/\/youthdemocracycohort.com\/global-youth-participation-index\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xviii]<\/a> Sahoo and Ghosh, \u201cCost of Politics\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xix]<\/a> Author\u2019s conversations with young political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xx]<\/a> Ambar Kumar Ghosh, \u201cWomen\u2019s Representation in India\u2019s Parliament: Measuring Progress, Analysing Obstacles\u201d, ORF occasional paper, 2022, https:\/\/www.orfonline.org\/research\/women-s-representation-in-india-s-parliament-measuring-progress-analysing-obstacles<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxi]<\/a> Author\u2019s conversations with young political leaders and hopefuls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxii]<\/a> Author\u2019s conversations with young political leaders and hopefuls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxiii]<\/a> Author\u2019s conversations with young political leaders, hopefuls, experts, and young voters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxiv]<\/a> Sahoo and Ghosh, \u201cCost of Politics\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xxv]<\/a> Patel, \u201cNavigating\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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[i]<\/a> \u201cGlobal Youth Participation Index (GYPI)\u201d, Youth Democracy Cohort, 2025, https:\/\/youthdemocracycohort.com\/global-youth-participation-index\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[ii]<\/a> Sahoo and Ghosh, \u201cCost of Politics\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[iii]<\/a> Author\u2019s conversations with young political leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[iv]<\/a> Ambar Kumar Ghosh, \u201cWomen\u2019s Representation in India\u2019s Parliament: Measuring Progress, Analysing Obstacles\u201d, ORF occasional paper, 2022, https:\/\/www.orfonline.org\/research\/women-s-representation-in-india-s-parliament-measuring-progress-analysing-obstacles<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[v]<\/a> Author\u2019s conversations with young political leaders and hopefuls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[vi]<\/a> Author\u2019s conversations with young political leaders and hopefuls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[vii]<\/a> Author\u2019s conversations with young political leaders, hopefuls, experts, and young voters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[viii]<\/a> Sahoo and Ghosh, \u201cCost of Politics\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[ix]<\/a> Patel, \u201cNavigating\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[i]<\/a> Trilok Kothapalli, \u201cThe Youth Dilemma in Indian Politics\u201d, Student Opinion, Kautilya School of Public Policy, https:\/\/www.kspp.edu.in\/blog\/the-youth-dilemma-in-indian-politics<\/a>; Jagdeep Chhokar, \u201cWhy Independents Fail to Make a Mark in Elections\u201d, Hindustan Times<\/em>, 5 July 2018, https:\/\/www.hindustantimes.com\/analysis\/why-independents-fail-to-make-a-mark-in-elections\/story-CGVDaOu9tHErZmqpv0lBtI.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[i]<\/a> Niranjan Sahoo and Ambar Kumar Ghosh, \u201cCost of Politics in India\u201d, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, March 2025, https:\/\/costofpolitics.net\/asia-and-the-pacific\/india<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[i]<\/a> Samreen Wani, \u201cRegistered Youth Voters Hits Decades-Low\u201d, Rediff<\/em>, 29 April 2024, https:\/\/www.rediff.com\/news\/report\/india-votes-2024-registered-youth-voters-hits-decades-low\/20240429.htm<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[i]<\/a> Daniel Stockemer and Kamila Kolodzieczyk, \u201cThe Age of World Leaders: A Comprehensive Discussion\u201d, Sociology Compass<\/em> 19, no. 5 (2024), https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/soc4.70074<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[ii]<\/a> \u201cData on Age: Global and Regional Averages\u201d, Inter-Parliamentary Union, https:\/\/data.ipu.org\/age-brackets-aggregate\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[iii]<\/a> Ramachandra Guha, India After Gandhi<\/em> (HarperCollins, 2007).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[iv]<\/a> Rajesh Shukla, \u201cIndia\u2019s Young Harbour Big Plans\u201d, People\u2019s Research on India\u2019s Consumer Economy, 4 May 2024, https:\/\/www.price360.in\/articlesdetails.php?url=indias-young-harbour-big-plans<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[v]<\/a> \u201cIndia Election 2024: The World\u2019s Largest Democracy Votes\u201d, Institute of Development Studies, 16 May 2024, https:\/\/www.ids.ac.uk\/news\/india-election-2024-the-worlds-largest-democracy-votes\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[vi]<\/a> David Born, \u201cIndia\u2019s Economic Success Factors and the Social and Cultural Challenges for Further Progress\u201d, Roland Berger, 20 January 2025, https:\/\/www.rolandberger.com\/en\/Insights\/Publications\/India-s-remarkable-economic-ascent-A-distinct-story-of-growth.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[vii]<\/a> \u201cIndia\u2019s Growing Focus on Youth and Sports\u201d, Press Information Bureau, Government of India, 1 February 2025, https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/FactsheetDetails.aspx?Id=149107<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[viii]<\/a> Shukla, \u201cIndia\u2019s Young\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[ix]<\/a> Shukla, \u201cIndia\u2019s Young\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[x]<\/a> Shukla, \u201cIndia\u2019s Young\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xi]<\/a> Press Trust of India, \u201cOver 82% of Rural Youth Able to Use Internet in India, Says Govt Survey\u201d, Business Standard<\/em>, 9 October 2024, https:\/\/www.business-standard.com\/india-news\/over-82-of-rural-youth-able-to-use-internet-in-india-says-govt-survey-124100901062_1.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xii]<\/a> Pankaj Kumar Patel and T.V. Sekher, \u201cYoung India, Ageing Parliament\u201d, Economic and Political Weekly<\/em> IIX, no. 31 (2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

[xiii]<\/a> Pankaj Kumar Patel, \u201cNavigating Challenges and Opportunities: Youth Representation in the Indian Parliament\u201d, Research Gate<\/em>, May 2025, https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/391430998_Navigating_Challenges_and_Opportunities_Youth_Representation_in_the_Indian_Parliament<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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