Revanth Reddy to Seek Constitutional Shift Lowering Election Age Minimum to 21
The Telangana government plans to pass a resolution urging the Union government to permit 21-year-olds to contest parliamentary and assembly seats. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy argues this change would formalize the political influence of India's Gen Z population.
Legislative Push for Youth Representation
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy intends to challenge the current age requirements for legislative office. During a large assembly of students and youth in Hyderabad, Reddy announced that the state government will introduce a formal resolution during the legislative sessions scheduled for the first week of August. This motion will petition the Central government to amend the Constitution, lowering the eligibility age for candidates in Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections from 25 to 21 years.
Historical Precedents and Constitutional Reform
Reddy framed the proposed amendment as a natural extension of previous democratic expansions. He cited two major historical milestones to justify the shift:
- The 61st Amendment: Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi lowered the national voting age from 21 to 18, recognizing the political maturity of younger citizens.
- The 73rd and 74th Amendments: Under the leadership of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, the law was changed to allow 21-year-olds to contest local body elections.
Strategic Timeline for the Resolution
The Chief Minister confirmed that both the Telangana Assembly and the Legislative Council will convene in early August to finalize the resolution. Once passed, the document will be submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reddy contends that if young adults are permitted to govern at the local level and cast ballots at 18, they should also hold the right to represent their peers in the highest legislative bodies of the country.
Source: The Hindu — News
