A.P. Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu seeks 33% reservation in legislatures for youth under 40

Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu on Thursday (April 9, 2026) called for 33% reservation in legislatures for those below 40 years of age, saying it was needed if India was to become a developed country by 2047.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) West Zone meeting in Goa, Mr. Patrudu said the gap between the average age of citizens and their elected representatives was widening. India’s average age is about 32, but the average age of members in the 18th Lok Sabha is 56 and about 53 in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. ‘There is nearly a 20-year gap, which we must reflect upon,’ he said.