Ajmer: As many as 25 youths aged between 20 and 25 are contesting the Ajmer Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections from different wards, with two contesting on BJP tickets and the rest as independents. The group includes students, a private school teacher, a homemaker, a sanitation worker and civil engineers who have entered politics at a young age.However, the number could change as Sept 3 is the last date for withdrawal of nominations.The candidates, born after 2001, are taking on contestants in the 40-60 age group and are using social media extensively to reach voters.Nandani (22), a private school teacher contesting as an independent, said she was inspired by her father, who has been an active BJP member for several years.Similarly, Muskan Bano (22), who works in the private sector, is contesting as an independent. Her father is an active Congress member, which inspired her to enter politics.For Deepesh (22), a sanitation worker contesting as an independent, the entry into politics is a new experience. “I have experience of working for a clean Ajmer, so I decided to contest as an independent candidate,” he said.Priya (24), a private school teacher with no political background, is also contesting as an independent. “No one in my family is in politics, so I wanted to give it a try,” she said.Manish (24), a civil engineer, is another independent candidate trying his luck in the civic polls.A former corporator said young candidates understood the issues concerning their generation and could communicate directly with voters. “The important thing is that youths in this age group know how to use social media. They are active on various platforms, raising issues and seeking political change,” he said.He added that young candidates could attract more youth voters because they understood their language and concerns.Overall, 46 candidates below the age of 40 are contesting the local elections, while 20 candidates are above 60. Most candidates have become active on social media after filing their nominations, posting campaign updates, seeking support and projecting confidence of victory.With polling scheduled for Sept 11, Ajmer’s political atmosphere is expected to intensify in the coming days. Banners and flags have so far been largely absent from the city, but campaigning is likely to gather momentum as voting day approaches.
