21 is the new political age: Revanth Reddy seeks lower age to contest MLA, MP polls
In a major political pitch aimed at empowering India's youth, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday announced that his government would move a
In a major political pitch aimed at empowering India's youth, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday announced that his government would move a resolution in the State Assembly urging the Centre to reduce the minimum age to contest Assembly and Lok Sabha elections from 25 years to 21 years. Addressing a massive Gen Z rally in Hyderabad, Revanth Reddy said the time had come to give young Indians a greater role in shaping the country's future. "If a 21-year-old can become an IAS officer, contest local body elections, and even serve the nation through the civil services, why can't they contest Assembly and Parliament elections?" he asked.
Read Full Story The Chief Minister said the Telangana government would convene a special session of the Assembly and Legislative Council in the first week of August to pass a resolution seeking the constitutional amendment. He added that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge would pursue the issue in Parliament. Making a strong case for lowering the age limit, Revanth Reddy cited former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's decision to reduce the voting age from 21 to 18 through the 61st Constitutional Amendment and PV Narasimha Rao's 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which enabled 21-year-olds to contest local body elections.
He also referred to countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom and Singapore, where younger leaders are allowed to contest elections at an earlier age. The Chief Minister said Gen Z accounts for nearly 30 per cent of India's population but has less than one per cent representation in Parliament. "India's future lies in the hands of its youth. The country's legislatures must reflect that reality," he said. Revanth Reddy also praised the nationwide Gen Z movement over the alleged NEET paper leak, claiming it had compelled the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He demanded that the Centre withdraw cases filed against protesting students and provide compensation to the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the controversy.
Calling the movement a victory for India's youth rather than any political party, the Chief Minister urged young people to continue their fight for justice and greater representation. "This tsunami of youth must not stop here. The voice of Gen Z should be heard from Jantar Mantar to Parliament," he said. Ends
The BriefWire