The 18th Lok Sabha reflects a dynamic balance between experienced leadership and the rise of new faces.
While the seasoned politicians continue their political journey, a significant number of first-time MPs bring fresh perspectives to the table. Dr. Virendra Kumar, a BJP leader and Union Minister, reigns supreme as the most senior member with an impressive eight consecutive terms since 1998.
He represents Madhya Pradesh's Tikoamgarh constituency. Another veteran, Suresh Kodikunnil from Congress, boasts a similar record, having entered Parliament at 27 in 1989 and consistently winning from Mavelikara, Kerala.
The 18th Lok Sabha also features several prominent leaders who have secured seven terms. The BJP MPs - Pankaj Chaudhary, Jigajinagi Ramesh Chandappa, Pagan Singh and Radha Mohan Singh won elections seven times and same is the case with DMK’s T.R. Balu
Beyond the eight and seven-term veterans, the Lok Sabha also benefits from the expertise of mid-level experienced leaders including BJP’s Indrajit Singh and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, TMC’s Sudeep Bandhopadhyay and AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi.
The 543-seat Lok Sabha also welcomes as many as 280 first-time MPs. This influx of fresh perspectives injects new ideas and approaches into the legislative discourse highlighting the importance of continuity and change in a vibrant democracy like India. Experienced leaders provide stability and institutional memory, while new members bring fresh perspectives and the voice of the electorate, according to political analysts.
They added that this blend was crucial for effective governance and addressing the evolving needs of the nation.
