Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has called for a massive generational shift in Congress, demanding that more than half of the tickets for upcoming civic polls be reserved for Gen-Z and young workers based on merit.

  • Ashok Gehlot suggested giving over 50% of tickets to Gen-Z and youth in local body polls.
  • Demanded candidate selection based strictly on merit and ground reality, not recommendations.
  • Emphasized that senior leaders' experience should complement youth energy.
  • Accused the BJP government of neglecting urban development and existing welfare schemes.

Veteran Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has made a significant call for organizational reform ahead of the upcoming local body elections. On Tuesday, following a high-level meeting to discuss election preparations, Gehlot urged the Congress party to award more than 50 percent of its tickets to Gen-Z and young workers, citing a massive generational shift occurring across the nation.

Gehlot was adamant that the selection process must be insulated from political favoritism. He stated that candidates should be chosen based on their merit and ground-level assessment rather than the recommendations of senior leaders. In a candid admission, he noted that senior leaders may lack accurate insights into local dynamics in constituencies far from their own bases, making recommendations potentially counterproductive.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Gehlot's push for youth empowerment is likely a strategic attempt to revitalize the Congress grassroots and tap into the growing influence of younger voters. By prioritizing merit over seniority, the party aims to combat internal factionalism and present a fresh face to the electorate.

'Not a single ticket should be given on recommendations. Only genuine workers should get tickets.' - Ashok Gehlot

Referring to recent youth-led demonstrations in Delhi, including student protests at Jantar Mantar, Gehlot highlighted that a new generation is actively emerging in public life. He suggested that while the wisdom and experience of veteran leaders are vital, they must serve to empower, rather than overshadow, the rising Gen-Z workforce.

The former Chief Minister also launched a scathing critique of the current BJP government. He alleged that the ruling party has stalled several development projects and neglected urban development. Specifically, he pointed out the discontinuation of the urban employment guarantee scheme—a model based on MGNREGA—which was a cornerstone of his previous administration.

Gehlot further claimed that the expansion of development authorities has left many rural areas within their boundaries neglected, creating a vacuum in governance and infrastructure planning.

Did You Know?: During his tenure, Gehlot's government distributed approximately 12 lakh land-lease deeds to citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Ashok Gehlot's main demand for the civic polls?
He wants over 50% of the Congress tickets to be given to young candidates and Gen-Z workers.

2. How does Gehlot want candidates to be selected?
He insists that selection should be based purely on merit and ground-level realities rather than senior leaders' recommendations.