Youth Must Lead Political Reform, Says Bansuri Swaraj

Addressing a programme organised by the Telangana BJP Mahila Morcha in Hyderabad as part of International Women’s Day celebrations, BJP Member of Parliament Bansuri Swaraj on Friday urged young Indians to actively participate in politics, stressing that distancing themselves from the democratic process by labelling it a “dirty game” would only weaken the system. She said the responsibility of reforming politics and shaping India’s future rests with the country’s youth.

Speaking at the event, Swaraj emphasised that youth participation is crucial for steering India toward progress. If young people believe politics has become polluted, they should take the initiative to clean and reform it rather than stay away from it, she said. Describing the younger generation as the architects of India’s future , she noted that their involvement is essential to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat , a developed India envisioned for the coming decades.

Highlighting the need to strengthen women’s representation in politics , Swaraj referred to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam , widely known as the Women’s Reservation Bill , which proposes 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislative assemblies. She expressed hope that the 18th Lok Sabha would be remembered as the last Parliament with comparatively low representation of women. According to her, women must step forward in electoral politics if they are to play a greater role in shaping national policies and governance.

The BJP MP also called on Gen Z and millennials to help older generations adapt to modern technology and financial tools. She encouraged young people to guide their parents, particularly mothers, in carrying out digital financial transactions , such as making fixed deposits or investing in mutual funds through mobile phones without visiting banks. Enhancing digital and financial literacy , she said, is an important step toward achieving the goal of a developed India.

Speaking about the broader vision of women-led development , Swaraj said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , women’s empowerment has moved beyond rhetoric and is being implemented through various initiatives. She cited programmes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao , Mudra Yojana , Lakhpati Didi , and Namo Drone Didi , which aim to expand opportunities for women in education, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.

Swaraj, the daughter of former Union minister Sushma Swaraj , emphasised that women should not remain limited to implementing policies but must rise to positions where they can shape and frame policies . For that to happen, she said, more women need to actively participate in electoral politics and leadership roles, ensuring their voices are reflected in the country’s decision-making processes.