New Delhi, July 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A political debate erupted on Sunday after AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi said his party would strive to see a younger person become India’s Prime Minister after the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, drawing responses from leaders across the political spectrum.
Addressing a public rally on Saturday, Owaisi highlighted India’s youthful demographic, noting that a majority of the country’s population is below the age of 35. He said the AIMIM would field more young candidates in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections and work towards the goal of seeing a 40 or 45-year-old become Prime Minister instead of an 80-year-old leader.
Reacting to the remarks, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo said the Prime Minister in India is chosen through the democratic process and questioned Owaisi’s emphasis on age. He also accused the AIMIM chief of attempting to build a political narrative centred on appeasement politics and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, claiming India has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing economy.
BJP leader R.P. Singh also criticised Owaisi’s comments, alleging that opposition parties were attempting to mobilise young voters for political purposes. He maintained that the present government had taken significant initiatives for the welfare and development of students and youth.
Congress leader Rakesh Sinha said India’s democratic framework allows candidates of every age to contest elections, adding that the Prime Minister is ultimately chosen by the elected majority and, in essence, by the people of the country.
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat said everyone has the right to express their views in a democracy. Referring to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, he described him as a visionary leader and said the Congress would continue pursuing its own political path.
The exchange comes as political parties increasingly focus on youth participation ahead of key electoral contests over the next few years.
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