Reducing Age Limit For Elections : A Boon Or Bane

“Once in every five years, India wakes up to the loud sounds and spicy smells of the biggest festival in the world which cuts across all religions, caste and creed. Yes, they are elections which symbolizes the spirit of India’s democracy. Crores of rupees are spent by politicians who turn into marketing genius, each portraying himself/ herself as the savior of the masses, sometimes at the cost of discrediting political rivals i.e. a spade for a spade. Apart from the usual placards, billboards and advertisements what adds color to such campaigns are the slogans which strike a chord with the masses.”2 In short today elections comprise only of three things- rhetoric, posters and slogans.
“Article 84 (b) of Constitution of India provides that the minimum age for becoming a candidate for Lok Sabha election shall be 25 years. Similar provision exists for candidates to the Legislative Assemblies vide Article 173 (b) of the Constitution3 read with Section 36 (2) of the Representation of People Act, 19514.”5 This is exactly what takes place in America wherein
the minimum age required is 25 years and 30 years to be elected as a member of Congress and Senate respectively. The citizens are at logger heads regarding reducing the age limit for contesting elections. Some are of the opinion that contesting polls and casting vote are poles apart. A contesting candidate has to look after the general well being of the people and has to
take the steps in the same direction. Educational competence is must to have a good command over parliamentary trust and initiate a must needed change. At the age of 21, the young blood build castle in the air. In other words they are lacking stability of character and personal maturity which makes decision making process complex in deep waters. Reduction of age would merely give precedence to those who are the Reducing Age Limit For Elections : A Boon Or Bane Soma Sarkar1
children of politicians as they get the benefit of being a known face even without any experience of striking a chord with public in general on issues relevant and important for the nation. This was one side of the coin.