The Telangana government is set to convene a special session of the State Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council in the first week of August to pass a resolution urging the Central Government to reduce the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections from 25 years to 21 years.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced the proposal during a public meeting in Hyderabad. He said the move is aimed at increasing youth participation in politics and giving young people a greater role in governance.
The Chief Minister argued that while Indian citizens are eligible to vote at the age of 18, they should also have the opportunity to contest elections at 21, rather than waiting until they turn 25.
Revanth Reddy said Generation Z accounts for nearly 30% of India’s population, but their representation in Parliament and state legislatures remains limited. He said lowering the eligibility age would encourage more young leaders to enter public life, bring fresh ideas into governance and strengthen democracy.
The proposed resolution will be sent to the Central Government because changing the minimum age for contesting Assembly and Lok Sabha elections requires an amendment to the Constitution and relevant election laws by Parliament. Even if the Telangana Legislature passes the resolution, it will serve as a recommendation and will not automatically change the law.
During the same event, the Chief Minister also appealed to the Centre to withdraw cases filed against students involved in recent nationwide protests and emphasized the need to give young people a stronger voice in shaping the country’s future.
