A Bold Call for Youth: Telangana CM Pushes to Lower Assembly Poll Age to 21

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has put forward a significant proposal to the Union government, advocating for a reduction in the minimum age required to contest Assembly elections from 25 to 21 years. This call for electoral reform aims to usher in an era of enhanced youth participation in state-level politics, aligning the eligibility to contest with the age for holding other key public positions.

The Chief Minister made this pivotal statement during his address at the United Democratic Front (UDF)-led Puthuppally bypoll election convention in Kottayam, Kerala.

He underscored the apparent discrepancy in the current electoral framework, noting that citizens are eligible to vote at 18 and can hold various other significant posts by the age of 21. "If one can vote at 18 and become a sarpanch or local body representative at 21, why should they wait until 25 to contest Assembly elections?" questioned Mr.

Reddy, highlighting the need for a more coherent and inclusive approach to political representation.

Beyond the subject of age reduction, Mr. Reddy also utilized the platform to voice strong criticisms against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its policies. He specifically targeted the 'one nation, one election' concept, labeling it as a cunning attempt by the BJP to dismantle the federal structure of India and undermine its democratic foundations.

According to the Telangana CM, such initiatives are designed to centralize power and diminish the autonomy of states.

In a direct appeal to the electorate, Mr. Reddy positioned the INDIA bloc as the "only viable alternative" capable of challenging and defeating the BJP at the national level. He urged voters to critically assess the political landscape and support forces committed to upholding democratic values and federal principles.

His remarks emphasized the strategic importance of unity among opposition parties to counter the ruling party's influence.

The Chief Minister's address wasn't limited to national politics; he also turned his attention to the political dynamics within Kerala. He launched a sharp critique against the performance of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, asserting that the Congress party stands as the sole entity capable of effectively countering the BJP's rise.

This dual-front critique underscored his belief in the Congress's pivotal role in both state and national politics, positioning it as a bulwark against both the BJP nationally and the LDF locally.

Mr. Reddy's visit and statements in Kerala, particularly during a crucial by-election, have added a significant dimension to the ongoing political discourse, sparking discussions on youth representation, federalism, and the broader opposition strategy against the BJP.