‘India needs your vision’: Youngest MP Pushpendra Saroj urges youth to join politics

India's youngest Member of Parliament Pushpendra Saroj has urged youth to step into politics, arguing that the country stands to gain immensely from their "vision, ideas, and energy."

Speaking at the India Today Conclave, the 26-year-old Samajwadi Party MP stressed that real transformation can only happen when young people — driven by issues rather than caste or religion — actively participate in shaping the nation’s future.

“I think the youth should come forward and engage in political discussions. When they take to the ground, change can happen,” he asserted. Saroj believes that the current political landscape, dominated by entrenched divisions, can only evolve through the entry of fresh, issue-focused minds.

His own journey into electoral politics was swift and decisive. With just three months of preparation before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he defeated two-time BJP MP Vinod Sonkar, who was twice his age, to claim victory in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi constituency.

Acknowledging privilege, championing merit

When asked whether his political lineage provided an unfair advantage, Saroj said, “I don’t shy away from the fact that I come from a privileged background and that my father is a politician,” he admitted. However, he maintained that his work, not his surname, should define his legacy.

Reflecting on his historic win, Saroj described it as the "beauty of electoral politics" — a moment where the electorate backed a fresh face with a record-breaking margin.

His first day in Parliament, he recalled, was “intimidating,” but he quickly adapted to the weight of responsibility. “The wonderful thing about Parliament is that when you get the chance to speak, everyone listens… the seriousness of the discussion is upheld,” he remarked, highlighting the institution’s enduring significance.

Youth underrepresented despite majority presence

Saroj pointed to a stark disparity in political representation. With an average age of 56 in Parliament, he sees a vast opportunity for younger leaders.

“Despite 65% of the population being under 35, they remain significantly underrepresented in policymaking,” he noted.

While acknowledging that politics is often perceived as murky and discouraging for young aspirants, Saroj invoked a powerful message: Be the change you want to see. He urged those under 35 to engage rather than withdraw.

“It’s easy to criticize from the sidelines, but real change happens when we step up and speak up,” he declared.

With his bold call to action, India’s youngest MP is not just making history — he’s asking the next generation to join him in shaping the future.