BJP’s youth wing to replace officials older than 40

India’s ruling party has decided to drop 40-plus aged office bearers of its youth wing, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. Most have been holding posts for more than two terms.

Sources told HT that BJYM units for Maharashtra and Mumbai have been dissolved under this exercise and big changes were in the offing in Bihar and MP too. The decision has been communicated to every unit and a list of leaders is being prepared.

For districts and lower units, 30 years will be the undeclared age bar. Those active on social media will have added advantage.

“New and young people are being brought in,” a BJP leader privy to the decision said. “At least 20% posts will go to articulate women leaders who are also active on social media.”

The BJYM is currently headed by Poonam Mahajan, the 36-yearold MP from Mumbai North Central. The decision is in line with the PM Modi’s plan for those who were born in 2000. Such people will get voting rights in 2018 and the prime minister wants the party to tap this section.