Telangana Chief Minister Proposes Lowering Legislative Entry Age to 21

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced plans to propose reducing the minimum age for contesting Legislative Assembly and Parliament elections from 25 to 21 years. He stated that he will discuss the matter with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge during his visit to New Delhi on Monday.

Mr. Reddy further said he would request Mr. Gandhi to take up the proposal with other members of the INDI alliance and political parties. The Telangana government intends to pass a resolution in the state Assembly in August this year, which would then be forwarded to the central government. The Chief Minister noted that the Opposition could also introduce it as a Private Members' Bill in Parliament to build pressure on the ruling party.

Mr. Reddy expressed confidence that senior party members support the idea. He suggested that the proposal could be discussed alongside the Delimitation Bill, Women's Reservation Bill, and enhancement of Lok Sabha seats. If required, it could be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for consultation.

Criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's communication style, Mr. Reddy said the government should listen to the country's voice rather than relying on one-way communication like 'Mann ki Baat'.

On the issue of alleged irregularities in Intermediate valuation during the previous BRS government, Mr. Reddy said the cases were closed by the BRS regime. However, the current government has sought legal opinion to reopen the case based on a complaint from an MLC, and will proceed according to law.

Regarding survey predictions favouring the BRS, the Chief Minister dismissed them, questioning the credibility of surveys sponsored by the BRS itself.