Meet India’s youngest elected officials from around the country transforming how we perceive politics.
2024 saw a record amount of young people being elected into national and state public office. These young Indians are testament to the tangible change that can be brought by young Indians, given the chance. YIF believes these individuals not only represent the world’s largest youth demographic, but will make an impact the country.
UNDER30
On National Youth Day, as we honor the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda ji, we are reminded of his vision for youth as the driving force of change in society. Inspired by his ideals, we proudly present the 2025 edition of the Under 30 Politicians and Policymakers, an exclusive celebration of young elected officials across India. This year marks the third installment of this India-focused list since its inception in 2023.
India’s young leaders are not just shaping our future—they are actively leading it. With the world’s largest youth population, India offers unparalleled potential for dynamic leadership. Our focus this year is firmly on elected officials, spotlighting those who have entered public office and are directly influencing policies and governance. By centering on those who have earned the trust of their constituents through elections, we aim to highlight the critical role of young voices in shaping India’s democracy.
These leaders are rewriting narratives in every corner of India—transforming rural villages, advancing urban development, championing issues like education, healthcare, climate change, and gender equality. Their journeys reflect resilience, innovation, and a commitment to public service, serving as an inspiration for young Indians everywhere.
By the numbers
72,00,00,000 +
YOUNG INDIANS
BUILDING THE NATION THROUGH
POLICY/POLITICS/GOVERNANCE
By the numbers
5,00,00,000
INDIANS BELOW
THE AGE OF 20
VOTED IN MAY 2024.
D Triveni (24, Ballari, Karnataka, Female) is the mayor of the Ballari Municipal Corporation and the youngest elected member of the corporation. A paramedical graduate, she envisions transforming Ballari into a model city through innovative urban planning and inclusive governance. Her leadership represents a new wave of youth-driven politics in Karnataka.
Sanjana Jatav (26, Rajasthan, India, Female) is a Member of Parliament from Bharatpur, representing the Indian National Congress. A Dalit and mother of two, she is among India’s youngest MPs. Rising to prominence through the “Ladki Hoon Lad Sakti Hoon” campaign, she addresses pressing issues like unemployment, water scarcity, and rampant crime rates. Jatav is dedicated to amplifying rural voices and addressing their challenges through policymaking.
Pabitra Saunta (28, Odisha, India, Male) is an MLA from Laxmipur for the Indian National Congress. A social worker by background, he focuses on improving access to basic amenities and education in his constituency.
Jairam Kumar Mahato (30, Jharkhand, India, Male) popularly called “Tiger Jairam,” is a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Dumri and President of the JLKM Party. He advocates for preserving Jharkhand’s local language and cultural heritage through policies and initiatives.
Narinder Kaur Bharaj (30, Punjab, India, Female) is an MLA from Sangrur for the Aam Aadmi Party. As a lawyer and politician, she is the District Youth President of her party and advocates for youth involvement in politics and governance.
Vinesh Phogat (30, Haryana, India, Female) is an MLA from Julana for the Indian National Congress. As a freestyle wrestler with several accolades, she transitioned into politics to advocate for social justice and consolidate support for the Jat community in Haryana.
Nzanrhoni I Mozhui (22, Nagaland, Female) is the youngest town councillor in Nagaland representing Ethung Bhandari Town Council, elected on a BJP ticket with a margin of 39 votes. Her success underscores the rising prominence of young women in local governance in Nagaland, where she advocates for community development and youth empowerment.
Aditya Surjewala (25, Haryana, India, Male) is an MLA from Kaithal for the Indian National Congress. As a third-generation politician, he is dedicated to boosting the rural economy and combating hooliganism in his constituency.
Shambhavi Choudhary (26, Bihar, India, Female) serves as a Member of Parliament from Samastipur for the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). Elected at the age of 25, she secured a decisive victory by over 1.8 lakh votes. She is also the director of Gyan Niketan School, which emphasizes female education, and is committed to enhancing education and opportunities for women in her constituency.
By the numbers
SINCE 2019
YOUTH VOTER TURNOUT
HAS INCREASED 17%
By the numbers
32%
OF GROSS NATIONAL INCOME
IS CONTRIBUTED BY
YOUNG INDIANS
Priyanka Satish Jarkiholi (27, Karnataka, India, Female) is a Member of Parliament from Chikkodi, representing the Indian National Congress. She is the first tribal woman to win an unreserved seat in Karnataka and advocates for gender-sensitive laws and policies while also running her own business.
Miriyala Sirisha Devi (30, Andhra Pradesh, India, Female) is an MLA from Rampachodavaram for the Telugu Desam Party. A former Anganwadi worker, she is known for her grassroots efforts, including converting her car into an ambulance for tribal areas and donating her salary to improve local hospitals.
Purnima Sahu (30, Jharkhand, India, Female) is an MLA from Jamshedpur East, representing the BJP. A journalist by profession, she is the daughter-in-law of former Chief Minister Raghubar Das and is committed to continuing his legacy while addressing local development issues.
Nigar Riyaj Shaikh (23, Sangli, Maharashtra, Female) is the youngest female Sarpanch of Bolwad Village and holds the record in the India Book of Records for achieving this feat at the age of 21 years and 1 month. As a trailblazer in rural governance, she focuses on empowering women and improving the socio-economic development of her village through grassroots leadership.
Madhuparna Thakur (28, West Bengal, India, Female) is the youngest MLA in West Bengal, representing Bagdah for the All India Trinamool Congress. She is dedicated to youth engagement and rural development in her constituency.
Pushpendra Saroj (25, Uttar Pradesh, India, Male) is India’s youngest Member of Parliament, represents Kaushambi for the Samajwadi Party. Breaking the record for the youngest MP in the country, Saroj emphasizes development and youth engagement. His election reflects a demand for trustworthy young leaders capable of driving change in their communities.
Sagar Eshwar Khandre (27, Karnataka, India, Male) is a Member of Parliament from Bidar, representing the Indian National Congress. He is the youngest Member of Parliament from Karnataka and is committed to youth empowerment and infrastructural development in the state.
Upasna Mohapatra (27, Odisha, India, Female) is an MLA from Brahmagiri for the BJP. A legacy politician, she has been involved in socio-political issues since 2017 and focuses on youth empowerment and gender equity in her constituency.
Karan Sanjay Deotale (29, Maharashtra, India, Male) is an MLA from Warora for the BJP. He serves as the State Secretary for the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in Maharashtra, focusing on youth engagement and economic development in his constituency.
Shagun Parihar (29, Jammu and Kashmir, India, Female) is a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kishtwar from the Bharatiya Janata Party. She is the only MLA under 30 in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly and focuses on youth empowerment and economic development in her region.
Iqra Choudhary (30, Uttar Pradesh, India, Female) represents Kairana as a Member of Parliament with the Samajwadi Party. She has been vocal in criticizing inadequate funding for minority education, distorting Mughal history in textbooks, and the lack of action against child marriage in India.
Priya Saroj (26, Uttar Pradesh, India, Female) is a Member of Parliament from Machhlishahr, representing the Samajwadi Party. She is dedicated to addressing the needs of her constituency and ensuring inclusive representation for women and marginalized groups.
Rohit Suman Patil (26, Maharashtra, India, Male) is an MLA from T-K Mahankal for the NCP-SP in Maharashtra. As the youngest whip in Maharashtra’s Legislative Assembly, he is dedicated to representing the voices of his constituency and ensuring impactful legislation.
Arava Sreedhar (27/28, Andhra Pradesh, India, Male) is an MLA from Kodur, Andhra Pradesh, representing the JSP. He also serves as a whip in the Andhra Pradesh legislature, focusing on governance and youth engagement.
