Nagpur: The Congress on Sunday said that starting 2024 Lok Sabha elections, half of its tickets will be given to those below 50 years of age.
In another development, the grand-old party also said that the retirement age will be fixed for those in Parliament, state legislatures and other elected posts. The bold decisions are part of the Congress ‘Nav Sankalp’ declaration that was adopted at the end of the three-day ‘Chintan Shivir here, indicating that the party has chosen to put its weight behind the young leadership after a prolonged old-versus-new tussle.
The exit of several young leaders from the Congress in recent years had been attributed to the party’s old guard failing to address the aspirations of the so-called ‘gen-next’ leaders.
While adopting the ‘Nav Sankalp’ declaration, the party said exactly 80 years ago, in the year 1942, Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan of “Quit India” and in 2022, the slogan of “Jodo India” (Unite India) should be adopted now.
The Congress also decided to bring a constitutional amendment to provide 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament, legislative assemblies and legislative councils and get it passed at the earliest to ensure the empowerment of women so that females in every category should get the benefit of proportionate reservation.
“At the organisational level, 50 percent of the posts should go to colleagues below 50 years of age. The youth group also concluded that a retirement age be fixed in Parliament, legislatures, legislative council and all elected posts.
“In future party governments, 50 percent of people below 50 years of age should occupy positions. More experienced people should be used for strengthening the organisation. Beginning with the 2024 parliamentary elections, at least 50 percent of party tickets be granted to those below 50 years of age in parliament, legislatures, legislative councils and other levels,” the resolution said.
This will also help in the spread and expansion of the party among the youth, it said.
