Context:
A renewed debate on the ageing leadership in Indian politics has emerged after former Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned citing health and age concerns. This event has revived broader questions about leadership transition, political longevity, and generational representation in Indian democracy.
The 75-Year Question: Retirement Norm or Political Tool?
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat recently suggested that public life should have a retirement age of 75, reflecting concerns over prolonged political tenures.
- Ironically, this contrasts with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who continues in office despite crossing this proposed age limit.
- The BJP had earlier signalled an informal retirement age through the Margadarshak Mandal, created for senior leaders above 75, but its enforcement remains selective and politically motivated.
Parliament Getting Older with Each Election
- The 18th Lok Sabha is the oldest in India’s parliamentary history.
- The average age of MPs has increased from 46.5 years in 1952 to around 56 years by 2014, with the trend continuing upward.
- The share of young MPs (aged 25–40 years) has declined drastically—from 25–30% in the 1950s–60s to less than 10% today.
Rising Age Profile of Political Executives
- Analysis shows a steady rise in the age of Prime Ministers—the median age was 66 during Nehru’s era, reaching 76 after 2014.
- A similar trend is seen among Chief Ministers, with the median age increasing from 57 years in the 1950s to 59.5 years in the 2020s.
- Between 2010–2020, the average peaked at 62.25 years, reflecting growing dominance of senior leadership in Indian politics.
Gerontocracy: A Global Political Reality
- This trend is not unique to India. Other democracies are also led by older leaders:
- U.S. President Joe Biden assumed office at 78,
- Brazil’s President Lula da Silva returned to power at 77.
- However, critics argue that political gerontocracy may stifle generational renewal, innovation, and youth leadership.
Experience vs. Representation: The Core Dilemma
- Proponents of senior leadership argue that age brings wisdom, continuity, and political maturity.
- Yet, critics warn that over-reliance on elder leaders limits youth participation, especially when India’s median population age is just 28 years.
- Despite a few young emerging leaders, longevity in office remains common—politicians like Parkash Singh Badal and M. Karunanidhi held power into their late 80s and 90s.
Conclusion
India’s rising leadership age raises pressing questions about political renewal, inclusiveness, and democratic vitality. While experience is valuable, systematic space for young political participation is essential to balance tradition with change.