The Missing Youth in Politics

In the run-up to Maharashtra’s elections, political parties are keen to highlight the role of young people. Yet behind the slogans and speeches, a crucial question remains: Where are the youth? Despite all the talk, it is still mostly the sons and daughters of established political families who rise through the ranks. Meanwhile, ordinary young people are often relegated to organizing protests, attending rallies, and manning campaign events. When it comes time to distribute tickets or positions of power, they are left out, and their frustration grows. This is not a new phenomenon, but today’s youth are more aware of their marginalization than ever before.

Maharashtra’s education system, particularly at the higher levels, remains deeply unequal. While opportunities have expanded in recent years, access to quality education is still out of reach for many young people in rural areas and among economically disadvantaged groups. Young political leaders rarely prioritize these educational concerns, and the parties they represent often sidestep them altogether. Programs to improve education, like skill development initiatives and reforms to the curriculum, are bogged down by bureaucracy. Scholarships for students in private and deemed universities have been cut, yet there is little outcry from the youth leadership. This lack of attention to educational challenges is not just a failure of politicians but reflects the inability of youth to organize and apply political pressure.

There is no doubt that youth participation in Maharashtra’s political arena has increased. But opportunities within the system still favour those from well-connected families. Social media has made it easier for youth from less privileged backgrounds to make their voices heard, but even for them, sustaining a political career is challenging. Money, social connections, and influence remain the currency of political power.

Young people who lead protests or hunger strikes may spend years fighting for a cause, but without financial or social backing, many cannot maintain their momentum. Frustration sets in early, and promising political careers often fizzle out. The system favours endurance, but endurance alone doesn’t pay the bills or win elections.

For young women, the path to political power is even steeper. Though opportunities have increased in recent years, women are often sidelined in the decision-making process. Traditional notions of family honour and responsibility still weigh heavily on parents who may hesitate to support their daughters’ political ambitions. This is particularly true for women from marginalized groups such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), who face additional cultural and structural barriers.

Youth leadership from Dalit, tribal, and OBC communities is growing through grassroots activism, driven by ideology rather than ambition. However, few make the leap from activism to political office, and even fewer secure lasting roles in mainstream politics, leaving their influence largely on the margins.

Those who do rise from humble beginnings face tremendous challenges. Political careers, especially at the local and rural levels, remain heavily influenced by wealth and social standing. While some Dalit and OBC leaders have been able to break through, most continue to struggle against a system that rewards connections over competence.

The next generation of political leaders in Maharashtra has already begun to emerge, but their path to power is fraught with obstacles. Whether they will succeed in reshaping the political system—or be sidelined like so many before them—remains to be seen. For now, the youth in Maharashtra are still on the outside looking in, waiting for their moment to lead.

(The writer is a lawyer and president, Student Helping Hands. Views personal.)