Swaraj India declares 25 candidates

NEW DELHI: The dates for municipal elections are yet to be announced, but Swaraj India, the political party formed by former AAP leaders Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, has announced its first list of 25 candidates on Wednesday.

The list has given preference to youth. Party leaders said that while the average age of those who made to the first list was 38 years, the party has also tried to break stereotypes by fielding women and scheduled castes from general seats. The candidates announced by the party have a varied educational background from a Class VIII pass to normal graduates and a dentist.

Kalpana Jha, the sitting independent councilor from Sangam Vihar, was also named in the list.

The list included candidates for 10 out of the total 104 seats in the North Delhi Municipal Corporation. For the 104 seats in South Delhi Corporation, names were announced for 12 seats. For East Delhi Municipal Corporation, of the 64 seats, candidates were declared for three seats.

“The first list of 25 candidates includes 11 women and five scheduled caste candidates. Seven candidates are below 35 years of age, showcasing the party’s focus on bringing youth in politics. In a pleasant departure from traditional politics, the average age of candidates declared in the first list by the party is only 38 years,” said party spokesperson Anupam.

Party general secretary Ajit Jha said that Swaraj India has granted tickets to many activists from the Jan Lokpal movement. Of the 25 candidates declared, 16 have been associated with India Against Corruption (IAC).

Swaraj India has applied for its registration with the Election Commission of India. Party leaders said the symbol for the party will be chosen after registration which will happen soon.