With Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi pushing for a “system change” by infusing young blood, asking them to take up future challenges, the AICC poll campaign panel is working out modalities to allocate Lok Sabha tickets to as many young leaders as possible.
Mr Gandhi, it is learnt, suggested “greenhorns” be fielded from Lok Sabha seats from where the party has not won in the past three general elections. “Rough estimates suggest there are 150 such seats, and these can be reserved for candidates in the 25-35 age group,” a party source said.
Giving such seats to young contenders, sources said, would infuse “realism” in them, and if they actually won they will earn a constituency for themselves.
“Such a victory will have a lasting effect, as winners have a political career from 30 to 40 years,” a source said.
Mr Gandhi noted since time-tested candidates had failed it would be better to give tickets to young people with fresh ideas. “If it clicks and a candidate can break the jinx, it would be a bonus for the party in the long-term perspective,” a source added.