17/09/2025
India proudly calls itself the world’s largest , but there is a striking mismatch between its people and its representatives. While more than 65% of India’s population is under 35, and a significant share is under 30, the 18th Lok Sabha has an average age of 55.6 years. Shockingly, only about 1.3–2% of MPs are below the age of 30.
This generational gap raises an urgent question: Is political power in India truly of its demographic reality?
The recent passage of the has rekindled debates about in politics. It reserves 33% of seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women—though its implementation is delayed until after in 2029. While this is a historic step, representation in a cannot be confined to gender alone. If young India has to see its aspirations, anxieties, and challenges reflected in policy, must enter the conversation.
Issues like , , , and directly impact the youth. Yet, the ones making laws are far removed from these realities.
India’s strength lies in its young population. But unless they have a real say in , this dividend risks becoming a demographic disaster.
: Youth representation could inject fresh ideas, energy, and into a system often seen as dominated by entrenched elites.
A democracy where the majority is under 30 but their voice in Parliament is barely 2% is not fully representative. Just as women fought for and won their space in politics, it may be time for to demand its fair share.
Because a nation that silences its youth in risks silencing its .
