Alappuzha. August 31, 2025– Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday called for a Constitutional amendment to lower the minimum age required to contest Legislative Assembly elections from 25 to 21 years.
Speaking at the Ponthuval Merit Award 2025 distribution ceremony in Pathirappally, Alappuzha — an award instituted by Congress MP K.C. Venugopal — Mr. Reddy said the move would encourage more young people to enter politics and make use of their abilities in public life.
Revanth Reddy: Youth Deserve a Role in Politics
“When the Constitution was adopted, the voting age was 21. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi lowered the voting age to 18. Yet the minimum age to contest as an MLA remains 25,” Mr. Reddy observed. He added that many youngsters who clear the civil services exam already govern districts and handle major administrative responsibilities, so they should be allowed to contest Assembly elections at 21.
Congress Will Push for Amendment
Mr. Reddy said the Congress Party would work to amend the law to make this change possible. He emphasized that the party’s strength lies in its youth rather than money or media influence, and reiterated his support for Rahul Gandhi as a future Prime Ministerial candidate for 2029.
K.C. Venugopal on Education and Jobs
At the function, K.C. Venugopal stressed the need to provide quality education and better employment opportunities so that India’s youth do not feel compelled to move abroad in search of work.
The event was also attended by scientist Tessy Thomas, former Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson, and Bishop James Raphael Anaparambil, among others.
Key Takeaways
- Revanth Reddy proposes lowering the minimum age to contest Assembly elections to 21 years.
- The Congress plans to push for a Constitutional amendment to implement the change.
- Education and job creation for youth highlighted as national priorities.
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