You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/heartwarming-video-of-child-dancing-in-assembly-prayer-goes-viral-9855129” on this server.
Reference #18.2ef63717.1766246318.6163f57
https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.2ef63717.1766246318.6163f57
Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar has expressed surprise at Shubman Gill’s omission from the Indian squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing the right-hander’s recent lack of form as a likely factor. At a press conference held at BCCI headquarters on Saturday, Gill’s exclusion from both the T20 World Cup squad and the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand quickly became a major talking point. Since returning from the Asia Cup, the 26-year-old struggled to find consistency, with his highest score across 15 innings being just 47.
“It is surprising,” Gavaskar told JioStar. “He is a classy, quality batter who had an excellent season following the 2024 T20 World Cup. Yes, he had a few quiet matches against South Africa. But class is permanent, and form is temporary. He was also returning after a long break and was a bit out of rhythm.” The former India captain added that the challenges of T20 cricket may have contributed to Gill’s struggles. “When you are not in rhythm in T20s, where you have to attack from the first ball, it becomes tough. His natural game suits Test cricket more, playing along the ground. The shots needed in T20s don’t come as easily. But we know he is a very good player. His IPL performances show that T20 is not new to him. Perhaps just the lack of form and touch worked against him this time.” In Gill’s absence, Axar Patel was named India’s vice-captain, while the team management also reshuffled the top order to accommodate a wicketkeeper-batter at the top. This paved the way for Ishan Kishan’s return to the T20I side, his first appearance since November 2023. Kishan had a stellar domestic season, captaining Jharkhand to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 517 runs in 10 innings. Gavaskar praised his form and consistency. “When you see someone performing, you pick him. Ishan has already represented India and shown he can deliver. His current performance proves that domestic cricket should matter for selection, not just the IPL. He has made a fantastic comeback after being out of the team for a couple of years and led his state team to a title.” The squad also saw other notable changes. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma was left out, while left-handed batter Rinku Singh was included to strengthen the middle order. Gavaskar sympathised with Sharma. “I feel for Jitesh. He did nothing wrong. He was a very capable wicketkeeper, and after MS Dhoni, perhaps the best at assisting the captain with DRS calls from behind the stumps. It is tough for him, but he is young. He just needs to go back to domestic cricket and continue performing.” With Gill sidelined and Kishan back in the fold, India’s T20 plans are being restructured ahead of the World Cup. Gavaskar’s observations highlight both the challenges of form and fitness in international cricket and the value of domestic performances in shaping national selections.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Saturday issued a letter expressing its “strongest condemnation” of the recent incident in Bihar in which CM Nitish Kumar pulled down the hijab of a woman doctor during a public ceremony.The incident, which occurred on December 15 at the chief minister’s secretariat in Patna during the distribution of appointment letters to newly recruited AYUSH doctors, was captured in a video that quickly went viral. The clip showed Nitish questioning the woman’s naqab, saying “what is this?” and then attempting to remove it, leaving the doctor visibly flustered. Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary appeared to intervene to restrain him. In a post on X, RJD wrote: “What has happened to Nitish ji? His mental state has now reached a completely pitiable condition, or has Nitish Babu become 100% Sanghi now?” In its letter, the SCBA condemned the Bihar CM’s action as an infringement on the woman’s autonomy, religious freedom and personal dignity.It stated, “Besides infringing on her autonomy, agency and religious freedom, it is a reflection of the depraving attitude against women in general.” The association also condemned “the vile comments made by union minister Giriraj Singh and Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad,” saying such remarks further undermined the dignity of women. Signed by SCBA secretary Pragya Baghel, the letter demanded an unconditional apology from the chief minister and others involved.The controversy escalated after union minister Giriraj Singh defended Nitish, describing the incident as “nothing wrong” and framing it as a procedural act. Singh said it was up to the woman to refuse the government job or “go to hell” and argued that the act should not be seen through a religious lens. He drew parallels to other official procedures, stating, “When you go to get a passport, do you not show your face? When you go to the airport, do you not show your face? People talk about Pakistan and Englishtan, but this is India. In India, the rule of law prevails.”Similarly, Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad’s remarks defending Bihar CM were widely criticised. Nishad initially supported Nitish’s action but later said his comments were misunderstood due to translation issues and offered to withdraw them if they had hurt sentiments. Despite this, opposition leaders continued to demand an unconditional apology from both ministers.
The late Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant’s widow, Venessa Bryant, is the executor of the vast financial legacy built during Kobe Bryant’s iconic NBA career. In January 2020, Kobe Bryant and their daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash. After Bryant’s passing in 2020, Vanessa Bryant inherited most of his money, including what he earned from basketball, endorsements, etc. Most of this wealth comes from his NBA salary, his investments, such as BodyArmor and their company, Bryant Stibel. Vanessa now manages these finances and makes important decisions about the family’s money. One major gain came from the sale of BodyArmor to Coca-Cola, which brought in a large amount of money for the family.
As of 2025, Vanessa Bryant’s net worth is estimated to be around $600 million as per Celebrity Net Worth. After Kobe Bryant’s sudden passing in 2020, Vanessa Bryant became the manager of his financial empire that he built, meaning she makes key decisions about how money and investments are handled. She continues to handle holdings in companies like BodyArmor, whose sale to Coca-Cola brought huge financial gains to the Bryant family. Vanessa also manages real estate and other assets inherited from Kobe. In 2023, Vanessa Bryant won a nearly $29 million lawsuit settlement against Los Angeles County over privacy violations after the crash. She chose to donate the money to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
After Kobe Bryant’s tragic death in 2020, Vanessa Bryant became the sole person responsible for managing his financial legacy. She handles and manages income earned from his NBA career, endorsements, and business ventures. A large part of the family’s wealth comes from his investments, including BodyArmor and Bryant Stibel, with the BodyArmor sale proving especially significant.Additionally, one of Vanessa Bryant’s key roles is serving as the President and CEO of Granity Studios, the multimedia company Kobe Bryant founded. Under her leadership, the company keeps producing books, shows, and creative content inspired by Kobe’s vision. She also launched Mambacita clothing in 2021, a project honoring her late daughter Gianna Bryant. All profits from the clothing business support her foundation’s programs for young athletes. Vanessa Bryant continues to lead the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, a nonprofit that supports underserved youth athletes, along with managing ongoing brand partnerships with Nike and other key collaborators.Also Read: Kobe Bryant’s wife Vanessa Bryant shares a quiet Instagram glimpse of her new princess with 15.6 million followers
The global economy has entered a phase where artificial intelligence has become the dominant force shaping growth, markets and policy, with the US now the most exposed to both its promise and its risks, according to economist and investor Ruchir Sharma.“This big factor has out-Trumped Trump – AI,” Sharma said in a conversation with Nicolai Tangen, earlier on December first week, arguing that artificial intelligence has now become “the singular focus of the global economy and particularly the US economy”.Ruchir Sharma, chairman of Rockefeller International and founder and chief investment officer of Breakout Capital, is a veteran global investor and economic commentator.“The US economy has now become one big bet on AI,” he said. “Outside of AI, there’s a lot of weakness in the US economy. But AI has continued to drive everything.”Sharma warned that the scale of this concentration leaves little margin for error. “This big bet on AI better works out for America,” he said. “Because if it doesn’t work out, then I think that there’s a lot of trouble for this country ahead.”
Veteran analyst pointed to the growing contribution of AI-linked capital expenditure to US growth. “The measures currently show that about 40% of economic growth in America this year has come from capex spending towards AI,” he said.Beyond investment, he stressed the importance of the wealth effect. “The stock market doing well, the financial assets doing well — that is clearly powering the spending of the top 10% in this country,” Sharma said. “And the top 10% is what’s driving the entire consumer spending.”He added that market gains themselves are heavily concentrated. “About 80% of the gains in the stock market this year have been powered by AI plays,” he said.“By some measures, you can argue that about 60% of economic growth in America today is being driven by AI.”
Despite the scale of investment, Sharma said it is still too early to see decisive productivity gains from AI. “AI adoption is still in its nascent stage,” he said. “So far, it’s too early.”Asked how much of recent productivity improvement can be attributed to AI, Sharma replied, “Very little as yet.”Drawing a comparison with the internet boom, he said, “If you look back at the internet revolution in the late 1990s, the big bump in productivity really happened later. It takes a while for these benefits to come through.”He also said there is still uncertainty about how AI will ultimately be used. “We don’t even know as yet what exactly AI is going to end up doing,” Sharma said.
The author of What Went Wrong with Capitalism, Ruchir Sharma argued that AI differs from past technological revolutions because of widespread fear rather than optimism.“This is the most hated tech revolution,” he said. “If you look back at the other big revolutions, people were very optimistic about what it would bring.”By contrast, Sharma said surveys show deep anxiety. “Only about 35% of people are feeling good about AI,” he said. “Most people want this to be regulated because they’re fearful about the impact.”“One, all the techno-optimists are telling them, ‘We’re coming for your job.’ And second is just fear — people don’t know how to use these tools,” he added.
While calling AI a “good bubble”, Sharma said the market displays multiple warning signs.“I look at the four O’s,” he said — “overinvestment, overvaluation, overownership and overleverage.” On investment, he said, “Tech investment as a share of GDP is about 5% today. That’s roughly what we saw back in 2000.”On valuations, Sharma said, “By any stretch, the US stock market — and of course the AI plays — are overvalued.” While price-to-earnings ratios may not match dotcom levels, he said, “If you look at price to free cash flow or very long-term earnings, by those measures we are getting there.”Overownership is also visible. “Americans have about 52% of their financial wealth in equities today,” Sharma said. “That is higher than what it was even in 2000.”On leverage, he said conditions are changing fast. “The biggest issuers of debt in the last few months have been companies like Meta, Amazon and even Microsoft,” Sharma said, as firms rush to stay ahead in the AI arms race.
Sharma said bubbles rarely burst because of technology disappointment alone.“Every single bubble or mania in history has been pricked by just one factor — when interest rates finally go up,” he said.He expressed concern about the Federal Reserve’s policy stance. “Inflation is already quite sticky,” Sharma said. “The Fed’s 2% target is nowhere in sight. The Fed has missed its 2% target for five years in a row.”“The fact that the Fed is cutting interest rates in this environment is completely bewildering to me,” he added.If inflation accelerates or rates rise, Sharma warned, “That’s when this entire overinvestment AI bubble will burst.”
Sharma said one of the biggest surprises this year has been the underperformance of US markets relative to Europe, emerging markets and China.“At the beginning of the year, everyone was onto the American exceptionalism trade,” he said. “Instead, Europe, emerging markets and China have outperformed America.”He said extreme positioning played a role. “America’s weight in global equity indices was hitting nearly 70%,” Sharma said.But reforms also mattered. “In Europe, expectations were very low, but at least countries like Germany began to wake up and say, ‘We need to do something here’,” he said.
Sharma said China’s market rebound reflects necessity rather than ideology.“The economy in China is in big trouble outside of AI,” he said. “The property market is bust.”He said Beijing realised that competing with the US on AI required a shift. “There was a very important pivot,” Sharma said. “China realised that if we have to compete with America on AI, we need to back the private sector again.”“Jack Ma is back at Alibaba,” he noted, adding that the stock has doubled this year.
Sharma said the expanding role of the state continues to distort capitalism.“The asymmetry remains,” he said. “On the upside, you capitalise the gains. On the downside, the risks are socialised.”On tariffs, he said, “There’s no objectivity or science behind it. It’s very arbitrary.”While tariffs have helped revenues — cutting the US deficit by about 1% of GDP — Sharma said, “Tariffs have had a negative effect on economic growth. It’s just been offset by the optimism around AI.”
Looking ahead, Sharma highlighted quality stocks as a neglected opportunity.“The last 12 months have been one of the worst runs that quality stocks have had in recorded history,” he said.“There has never been a better time to buy quality stocks,” Sharma added, referring to companies with high returns on equity, low leverage and strong cash flows.He also expects global markets to continue outperforming the US. “These tend to be multi-year trends once they begin,” he said.While he declined to predict exact timing, Sharma offered a clear signal to watch: “At the slightest sign that interest rates are going to go up — that’s when you know this is done.”
CHENNAI: A death by snakebite has turned out to be murder at Podaturpet village in Tiruvallur district. The plot is diabolic. On Oct 22, E P Ganesan, 56, a lab assistant at a govt girls’ higher secondary school in Podaturpet, was found dead at his house. Based on a complaint lodged by his son Mohanraj, 26, the Podaturpet police registered a case of unnatural death, initially viewing the death as an accidental snake bite. However, the narrative began to unravel after an insurance company flagged serious doubts over the claims submitted by the family, citing suspicious conduct by the sons of the deceased.
Ganesan was bitten by a cobra a week before he was found dead. Then, neighbours had rushed him to hospital and saved his life. The second time, the snake was a krait and it had bitten Ganesan on the neck. There was also a delay in shifting him to hospital. Investigators found that Ganesan’s family had availed of multiple loans and taken several high-value insurance policies valued at ₹3 crore, which were disproportionate to their known sources of income.IG, north zone, Asra Garg, and SP, Tiruvallur, Vivekananda Shukla, ordered the formation of a special investigation team on Dec 6. SP Shukla told TOI the unusual insurance coverage raised suspicion about the true cause of death.Police studied the call records and money transactions of the sons and uncovered a chilling tale. Ganesan’s sons, Mohanraj, 26, and Hariharan, 27, employed at a private firm, had plotted to murder their father to claim the insurance payout.To execute the plan, they took the help of their friend G Balaji, 28, who in turn contacted B Prashanth, 35, S Dinakaran, 43, and G Naveenkumar, 27, of Manavur village. They arranged venomous snakes and staged the incident, police said.An investigating officer said in the first attempt, a cobra had been made to bite the deceased on his leg while he was asleep. He was rushed to hospital then by neighbours and was stabilized. Undeterred, the second time the conspirators procured a krait, whose poison acts even faster, and ensured it bit Ganesan on the neck in the early hours of Oct 22. After the bite, the snake was killed inside the house.Police said they found an unexplained delay in shifting the victim to hospital, strengthening the suspicion that the crime was premeditated. Investigators grew suspicious about the two snake bite incidents within a span of a week; the accused claimed the village was infested with snakes.Detailed analysis of the call records of the two sons and scrutiny of unusual financial transactions of ₹2 lakh, linked them to four other accused. So far, six accused—the two sons and four accomplices—have been arrested, and further investigation is underway.
India once again underlined their authority in the shortest format by clinching the T20I series against South Africa, continuing a run of consistent success built on depth, adaptability, and fearless cricket. While the series win sparked celebrations in the Indian camp, it was the captain’s candid self-assessment that grabbed attention after the final match. Suryakumar Yadav, never one to shy away from honesty, spoke openly about his own lean run with the bat despite leading India to another series victory.
During the post-match presentation, Suryakumar struck a lighter note while acknowledging that his personal performances did not match the lofty standards he has set for himself in T20 cricket. With a smile, the Indian skipper admitted that while the team ticked most boxes, one element was still missing.
“Maybe the only thing we couldn’t quite manage was finding Surya the batter, I think he went missing somewhere! (smiles) But he’ll be back stronger. As a team, I’m really happy,” he said, before quickly adding that he was confident of returning stronger. The remark, delivered with humour, reflected the mindset of a leader secure enough to prioritise team success over individual numbers.
For a batter who has redefined modern T20 batting with innovation and audacity, this phase has been a rare quiet spell. However, Suryakumar’s words reinforced the belief that form is temporary, while confidence and intent remain intact.
Despite his modest returns, Suryakumar made it clear that the bigger picture mattered more. India’s series win was built on collective contributions rather than dependence on one or two superstars. The captain highlighted how different players stepped up at crucial moments, ensuring momentum never slipped away.
Whether it was the middle order stabilising the innings after early setbacks or bowlers holding their nerve in tight situations, India showcased a well-rounded unit. This shift towards a shared responsibility model has been one of the defining traits of the current Indian T20 side.
“Whenever we were in trouble, someone always put their hand up and pulled us through. As a captain, that’s very satisfying,” Suryakumar added.
While his bat may have been quieter than usual, Suryakumar’s influence as a leader remained evident throughout the series. From proactive field placements to smart rotation of bowlers, he focused on controlling key phases of the game. His calm presence and positive body language played a significant role in keeping the side aggressive yet composed.
Also READ: Top 5 fastest fifties for India in T20I cricket ft. Hardik Pandya – IND vs SA
Ex-India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his excitement over India’s squad for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, highlighting the team’s readiness to defend their title. The former India spinner also congratulated his “brother,” Sanju Samson, and praised Ishan Kishan for making a remarkable return to international cricket. In a move that surprised many fans, India’s defending champions have left out Shubman Gill from the squad for next year’s T20 World Cup, as well as the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and vice-captain Axar Patel, the squad features several notable changes.
Alongside Gill, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has also been excluded, making way for Ishan Kishan’s comeback. Kishan earned his spot after leading Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, scoring heavily and displaying exceptional form throughout the tournament. Rinku Singh has also returned to the squad after missing India’s 3-1 T20I series win in South Africa.
Ashwin X post
“Title defence loading. Superb squad. Great to see Rinku back and happy for my thambi Sanju, who will now rightfully open alongside Abhishek. Adipoli Chetta! Huge applause for Ishan, who showed his hunger by grinding hard in the domestic circuit,” Ashwin wrote on X, highlighting the blend of experience and fresh energy in the squad. The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8, with 40 group-stage matches scheduled to conclude by February 20. The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super Eights, beginning on February 21. This edition of the tournament is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka previously hosted the T20 World Cup in 2012, while India last held the event in 2016. Ahead of the World Cup, India will play five T20Is against New Zealand starting January 21 in Nagpur. The series will also feature matches in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. In the World Cup, India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, the USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. The team opens its campaign against the USA at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7. The next match is against Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on February 12. India’s high-profile clash with Pakistan is scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The group-stage phase concludes with a match against the Netherlands at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 18.
Nearly 70 per cent of real estate developers expect housing prices to rise by more than 5 per cent during the 2026 calendar year, driven by sustained demand, according to a sentiment survey conducted by industry body CREDAI and property data analytics firm CRE Matrix, PTI reported.The survey, conducted in November and December with responses from 647 developers, found that 68 per cent of participants anticipate home prices to increase by over 5 per cent next year. Of these, 46 per cent expect prices to rise in the 5–10 per cent range, while 18 per cent see appreciation between 10 per cent and 15 per cent. Around 3 per cent of respondents forecast a sharper rise of 15–25 per cent, and 1 per cent expect prices to climb by more than 25 per cent.Only 25 per cent of developers believe price growth will be below 5 per cent, while 8 per cent expect negative growth in housing prices.The survey report was released during a CREDAI conclave held in New Delhi on December 19–20.Beyond pricing, the survey indicated a broadly positive outlook for the residential segment in 2026. Nearly two-thirds of developers said they expect demand for homes to grow by more than 5 per cent in the coming year, reflecting continued end-user interest rather than speculative buying.Commenting on the findings, CREDAI president Shekhar G Patel said the survey shows that growth in the housing market is increasingly anchored in genuine demand. “The sector is witnessing a calibrated approach to new supply, with stronger emphasis on cost efficiency through technology adoption and closer alignment between product offerings and evolving homebuyer preferences,” Patel said.He added that faster project approvals and greater regulatory clarity would be critical to sustaining the momentum. “Streamlined clearances can unlock the next phase of housing supply across markets, support timely project delivery, and enable more balanced and sustainable urban growth,” Patel said.Abhishek Kiran Gupta, CEO and co-founder of CRE Matrix and IndexTap, said the findings point to steady demand expectations, disciplined supply addition and a sharper focus on long-term value creation in the residential real estate sector.CREDAI represents more than 13,000 real estate developers across the country.
NEW DELHI: On this day in 1988, India lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, expanding voter participation and strengthening universal adult franchise in the world’s largest democracy. The 61st Constitutional Amendment, enacted under Article 326, brought millions of young citizens into the democratic process.Introduced by the government led by the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the 61st Amendment is regarded as a landmark reform in Parliament, empowering millions with a fundamental democratic right in India.Universal suffrage ensures that every eligible citizen can participate directly in process of choosing their representatives, whether to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, or local bodies across urban and rural India.
Elections to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha of states are to be conducted on the basis of adult suffrage. This clarifies that every Indian citizen who is at least 18 years of age on a date specified by law, and who is not disqualified under the Constitution or any law due to non-residence, unsoundness of mind, criminal conviction, or corrupt or illegal practices, is entitled to be registered as a voter in such elections.Key points –
Disqualification groundsVoting rights can be denied due to –
Lowering the voting age was more than a legal reform; it was part of India’s broader effort to widen political participation and shape an electorate that reflects the country’s diverse and increasingly youthful population.
In the years leading up to independence, voting in India under British was a limited privilege. Under colonial rule, barely 13 per cent of Indians were eligible to vote, with franchise restricted by property, education, and income qualifications. Large sections of society, workers, peasants, women, and young people, remained outside the electoral process. Democracy, as experienced by most Indians, was distant and exclusionary.
PTI file photo
Independent India sought to reverse this legacy from the very outset. One of the most striking decisions taken by the framers of the Constitution was to adopt universal adult franchise. At a time when many newly independent nations hesitated to extend full voting rights to their citizens, India chose to trust its people. Every adult, regardless of gender, caste, wealth, or education, was given an equal vote.India’s approach to women’s voting rights was particularly notable. Unlike in many parts of the world where women had to fight long and sustained political battles to secure the franchise, Indian women received the right to vote from the very beginning of the republic. This placed India among the early nations to grant women full electoral rights, well ahead of several established democracies. Yet even as the universal adult franchise took shape, the minimum voting age remained 21 for decades. By the 1980s, this threshold increasingly appeared out of step with social realities. Young Indians were entering higher education, joining the workforce, and engaging actively with political and social issues, yet many had no formal voice in choosing their representatives.That changed with the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, passed in the Rajya Sabha on December 20, 1988, and brought into effect on March 28, 1989, amending Article 326. The amendment lowered the voting age to 18, signalling faith in the political maturity of India’s youth.It acknowledged that democracy must grow with its people, especially in a country where young citizens form a significant share of the population.
From the very beginning, India’s Constitution makers took a bold and deliberate decision: democracy in independent India would rest on universal adult franchise. This meant that every adult citizen would have one vote, and that every vote would carry equal value. There would be no distinctions based on caste, creed, religion, gender, education, income, or social status. The word “universal” captured this promise in full: political equality for all.This principle became a cornerstone of Indian democracy. Elections to the Lok Sabha, to the legislative assemblies of states and union territories, and to local bodies in villages and cities were all anchored in this idea. Article 326 of the Constitution enshrined it clearly, affirming that elections would be based on adult suffrage and that voting was a personal right, no one could cast a ballot on another’s behalf.The decision marked a decisive break from the colonial past. Under British rule, voting rights were limited and deeply exclusionary. Laws such as the Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935 restricted the franchise to those who met specific property, income, or educational qualifications. As a result, only about 3 to 10 per cent of Indians were eligible to vote. For the vast majority, political participation remained out of reach.This long history of exclusion made the demand for universal suffrage central to India’s national aspirations. The idea appeared early in constitutional thinking. The Constitution of India Bill of 1895 asserted that “every citizen shall have the right to give one vote.” Over the following decades, the demand evolved and strengthened. The Lucknow Pact of 1916 spoke cautiously of creating “as broad a franchise as possible,” while later proposals, such as the Commonwealth of India Bill of 1925, still retained restrictions based on property and education.By the late 1920s, however, the direction had become clear. The Nehru Report of 1928, drafted under Motilal Nehru’s leadership, declared that every person who had attained the age of 21 would be entitled to vote, unless disqualified by law. This commitment was reinforced by the Karachi Resolution of 1931, which resolved that any future Indian constitution must rest on adult suffrage.In the 1940s, the demand became unequivocal. Influential documents such as the Sapru Report (1945), B.R. Ambedkar’s States and Minorities (1945), and the Gandhian Constitution of Free India (1946) all provided for universal adult franchise. Even the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, while citing practical difficulties in applying the principle immediately, acknowledged adult suffrage as the democratic ideal.
PTI file photo
By the time the Constituent Assembly began its work in December 1946, the case had already been settled. Universal adult franchise was recommended as a non-negotiable feature of the future Constitution. Though one member briefly opposed the idea on theoretical grounds, the Assembly’s leadership made it clear that the decision had already been taken. The debate closed swiftly, reflecting the broad consensus in favour of political equality.Article 326 of the Constitution formally sealed that commitment. When India held its first general elections in 1951–52, nearly 173 million citizens were registered to vote, an unprecedented democratic exercise, as cited by ConstitutionofIndia.net. Many elections have followed since, but the principle remains unchanged: in India, democracy begins with the simple, powerful act of one person, one vote.
It is often assumed that Western democracies, with their long histories of representative government, were early champions of universal adult franchise. The record, however, tells a more complex story. In many of these countries, the right to vote for all adults emerged only after prolonged struggle, and often much later than commonly believed.The First World War (1914–18) was fought, in the words of the Allied Powers, to make the “world safe for democracy.” Yet, even as democracy was invoked as a moral cause, several of these nations had not yet extended the vote to all their citizens. Ironically, it was defeated Germany that moved first, incorporating universal adult franchise into its Constitution in 1919.Great Britain, despite its long parliamentary tradition, took nearly a decade longer to remove voting inequalities. In 1918, it extended the franchise to all adult men aged 21 and above, but women were granted only a limited right to vote, and only if they were over the age of 30. Full voting equality between men and women came only in 1928, when this discrimination was finally abolished.France, the country associated with the powerful ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, introduced universal adult franchise even later. French women gained the right to vote only in 1945, after the end of the Second World War. Switzerland presents an equally striking example. Often cited as the home of direct democracy, it denied women the right to vote at the national level until the early 1970s.Against this global backdrop, India’s decision stands out. When the Constitution was adopted in 1949 and implemented on January 26, 1950, the country embraced universal adult franchise in one decisive step. Every adult citizen, man or woman, was granted the right to vote, without distinctions based on education, wealth, or social status. For a newly independent nation emerging from colonial rule, this was an extraordinary act of democratic confidence.Voting age, too, has varied widely across countries. In some nations, adulthood at the ballot box came much later. Denmark and Japan, for instance, once set the voting age at 25, while Norway fixed it at 23. In contrast, countries such as Great Britain, the United States, Russia, and Turkey eventually settled on 18 as the threshold for voting.India’s own journey later aligned with this global shift when it lowered the voting age to 18 in 1989. Together with its early adoption of universal adult franchise, the move reinforced a defining principle of Indian democracy: political participation is not a privilege reserved for a few, but a right extended to all adult citizens.
