Netas can’t fool today’s youngsters: Sanjay Nirupam

Kanchan Srivastava speaks to MP Sanjay Nirupam on the revival of political aspirations among  today’s youth

Do youth think youth participation is important in policymaking?
I believe that youth participation is important as 69% of the population are youth. Without involving them, policymaking can’t go in the right direction.

Do you think working with youth helps politicians know what young India feels about them?
I’m working with many youth and students. While interacting with them, I understood that they want us to deliver. We can’t fool the present-day youth as they are more intelligent and informed as compared to youth during our time.

Could this change the general perception about politicians?
Yes. Every interaction helps to change perceptions. When politicians engage with youth and answer their queries in a fair way, there will be more trust. Also, this helps youth to understand our limitations.

Your take on the ban on student elections in state for two decades.
I don’t want to take a hard stand on this issue even though I have come from student politics. In other states where elections are allowed, campuses see bloodbaths and other wrongdoings. This spoils academic environment. I think that at young age students should focus on education.

Political observers say that banning campus elections helps to curb aspirants from opting for grass root politics and favour dynastic politics. Your take?
I don’t believe that banning elections has anything to do with dynastic politics. Banning of university election doesn’t mean youth can’t join politics.