Youth Meets Experience: Contrast in J&K Legislative Assembly

The newly elected Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly showcases a stark age contrast. BJP's Shagun Parihar, at 29, is the youngest member, while NC veteran Abdul Rahim Rather, at 80, is the oldest. Despite the presence of some young MLAs, the average age remains 55.71 years. Gender representation remains unchanged with only three female MLAs.

The recently elected Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly stands as a testament to both youth and seasoned experience, highlighted by the election of BJP's Shagun Parihar as the youngest member at 29 years, juxtaposed with National Conference veteran Abdul Rahim Rather at 80, the eldest.

According to Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) data, Parihar, who tragically lost her father and uncle in a 2018 terror attack, is the sole assembly member under 30, while Rather remains the singular octogenarian presence. The average age of an MLA in the region is 55.71 years. Reflecting this, 32 legislators belong to the age group of 51 to 60 years.

Among the 10 youngest MLAs elected in this cycle are members from PDP, AAP, NC, and independents. In contrast, older legislators dominate, with Congress, CPI(M), and NC veterans claiming ages upwards of 70. Despite all this, the gender ratio remains unchanged, continuing with only three women in assembly: Shamima Firdous, Sakina Masood, and newcomer Parihar.

(With inputs from agencies.)