CPI(ML) Liberation calls for lowering voting age to 16, questions RSS’ Gen Z outreach
CPI(ML) Liberation leader Dipankar Bhattacharya has called for lowering the voting age to 16, citing the political engagement of Gen Z. He also criticized the RSS for its outreach efforts, alleging that the organization suppresses dissenting voices among youth.
Why it matters
The debate over voting age and youth political participation is a significant topic in democratic discourse, particularly regarding the influence of ideological organizations on students.
The voting age should be reduced from the current 18 years to 16 years, CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said on Tuesday (August 4, 2026).
His remarks came against the backdrop of reports that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat would address around 2,000 students aged between 15 and 19 from 100 cities at Mumbai’s Nita Mukesh Ambani Centre on Thursday (August 6, 2026).
Calling the event a “desperate” attempt to reach out to Gen Z, Mr. Bhattacharya said its scale was “impressive” but questioned its purpose, more so considering the “apologies being forced out of students”. “Modi has already talked about ‘culture shock’, invoking patriarchal prejudices against India’s ‘misled daughters’. The orchestrated backlash, both online and offline, is forcing 15-year-olds to offer apology videos,” he said.
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