Both BJP, Congress consider young faces for LS tickets

New Delhi: Knowing that youths and first time voters hold a key position in the upcoming general elections, young ‘Turks’ of Congress and BJP are giving a run for their money to old guards in the race for ticket for seven Lok Sabha constituencies in the national capital.

According to well placed sources in both the parties, names of prominent youth leaders including former student leaders from Delhi University are under consideration.

Among the front runners are former Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) president Nakul Bhardwaj and Ragini Nakay from East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency and former DUSU secretary Tarun Kumar from Northwest Delhi parliamentary seat. While Ms Nayak and Mr Kumar are in the race for Congress’ ticket, Mr Bhardwaj is in the race for BJP ticket.

Mr Kumar hugely contributed in the party electoral success in Rajasthan Assembly polls held in December last year as secretary in-charge of the state.

While Ms Nayak is the visible face of Congress, Mr Bhardwaj was president of Delhi BJP Yuva Morcha and contested from Patparganj Assembly twice in 2008 and 2013.

The two-time ex-MLA and current working president of Delhi Congress, Devender Yadav, is also leading the race from West Delhi Lok Sabha seat.

“Young leaders are upbeat in Congress after Rahul Gandhi took charge of the party as president and they believe that they will get more share in ticket distribution,” said a senior Delhi Congress leader.

Delhi BJP Yuva Morcha president Sunil Yadav is also leading the race for young Turks from BJP. It is learnt that Mr Yadav is seeking ticket from New Delhi Lok Sabha seats.

A section in Delhi BJP is also considering its general secretary Ravinder Gupta, who is in his mid 40s, as the young face from New Delhi and Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seats.