In the bustling canteen of Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, Sagar Khandre, the 26-year-old MP from Bidar, finds himself in the midst of a busy day. As he enjoys his meal of poha, a steady stream of constituents and well-wishers approach him. A man from his constituency reveals that he has journeyed for two days to meet the MP. Shortly after, another individual discusses a pipeline project in Bengaluru, and yet another extends an invitation to an event. Sagar greets each person warmly, conversing in Kannada and posing for selfies.
Iqra Choudhary Kairana, Uttar Pradesh
Meanwhile, across the city, Iqra Choudhary, 29, the newly elected Samajwadi Party MP from Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, navigates her new public role with a mix of familiarity and novelty. Despite her background in a political family and her previous studies in Delhi and London, which afforded her some anonymity, she is now adjusting to a new level of visibility. As she moves through Delhi’s Khan Market, she attracts curious glances and even a follower who praises her past campaign work.
Sagar and Iqra are part of a group of seven first-time MPs under the age of 30 who are now stepping into the limelight of India’s Parliament. Their journey is marked by both the excitement of new responsibilities and the challenge of adapting to a role that demands constant public engagement and personal sacrifices.
In a country where over half of the population is below the age of 30, as reported by the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5), and where those under 25 are expected to outnumber those over 65 until at least 2078, the scrutiny on these young legislators is intense.
Priyanka Jarkiholi, Chikkodi, Karnataka
The seven MPs include Priya Saroj, Pushpendra Saroj, Shambhavi Choudhary, Sanjna Jatav, and Priyanka Jarkiholi, each bringing their unique perspectives and challenges to their roles.
Priya Saroj, Machhlishahr, Uttar Pradesh
Navigating the demanding landscape of Parliament, many of these MPs rely on their family backgrounds for support. Priya Saroj, 25, who represents Machhlishahr, Uttar Pradesh, is the daughter of Tufani Saroj, a seasoned MP and current MLA. “Some people have been working with my father for over 25 years. I continue to work with them,” Priya shares. She highlights the advantage of her father’s experience and her brother’s management of her social media presence.
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Sagar Eshwar Khandre, Bidar, Karnataka
Sagar Khandre also benefits from a political lineage; his father, Eshwara Khandre, is a cabinet minister in Karnataka. Sagar acknowledges the significance of family connections in politics, saying, “If you look at all the MPs, the majority of them come from political backgrounds… For people around you to accept your leadership, it gets really hard (without such connections).”
Beyond family support, the new MPs find camaraderie and guidance among their peers in Parliament. After the inaugural session, a senior Opposition leader hosted a gathering where several of the young MPs met for the first time. Over dinner at an upscale Delhi restaurant, they discussed their shared challenges, such as dealing with local officials and securing fund allocations.
Pushpendra Saroj, Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh
Iqra, Pushpendra, and Priya found common ground in their discussions, each addressing different issues in their constituencies. Sagar and Pushpendra, 25, the MP from Kaushambi in Uttar Pradesh, face challenges related to youth unemployment. Iqra deals with issues affecting sugarcane farmers, while Priya works on infrastructure development for Machhlishahr. Iqra reflects on the procedural aspects of Parliament, noting, “We have met a couple of times and have discussed a range of things… On the personal front, we are getting to know each other.”
Shambhavi Choudhary, Samastipur, Bihar
Mentorship from experienced MPs also plays a crucial role. Shambhavi Choudhary, 26, from the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) of the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, received advice from prominent figures like South Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur. “The main point that really stuck with me was that Thakur asked me to listen to everybody,” Shambhavi recounts.
Sanjna Jatav, Bharatpur, Rajasthan
When the House is not in session, these MPs return to their constituencies, where they confront pressing local issues. Iqra, whose constituency is largely rural, addresses challenges like transitioning people to paying electricity bills and the shortage of female doctors. Sanjna Jatav, an MP from Bharatpur in Rajasthan, highlighted water scarcity in her debut speech, emphasizing her connection to agrarian issues.
Pushpendra, whose family background includes former MP Indrajeet Saroj, is frequently contacted about job opportunities. He describes the situation as “very depressing” to witness the high demand for minimal wages. For Priya, a Dalit woman, the focus is on empowerment and addressing caste-based discrimination. “As MPs, too, we have faced this. We are not allowed in many temples,” she says.
As they adjust to the expectations of their roles, these MPs are also learning to balance their personal and professional lives. Priya misses dancing, a hobby she had to set aside, and has altered her public image to fit her role. Shambhavi, on the other hand, grapples with constant public scrutiny. “People are always taking pictures. So, you have to be proper all the time,” she explains, reflecting on the initial challenges of being a young woman in politics.
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