GS2 · Polity25 Jul 2026 · The Hindu — National
Will push for lowering contesting age for MLA, MP to 21: Telangana CM Revanth
Recalling constitutional reforms that expanded youth participation, the Chief Minister said former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 through the 61st Constitutional Amendment, recognising the voice of young India
Quick Revision
Prelims-testable facts
- 01The voting age in India was lowered from 21 to 18 through the 61st Constitutional Amendment by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
- 02The minimum age for contesting Assembly and Lok Sabha elections is currently set at 25 years, as per Article 84(1) of the Indian Constitution.
- 03Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has proposed lowering the contesting age for MLA and MP to 21 years.
- 04There is no constitutional provision that sets a minimum age limit for contesting elections in the Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha.
- 05The 61st Constitutional Amendment was enacted on August 18, 1982, as per Article 368 of the Indian Constitution.
- 06Lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 was a significant step towards increasing youth participation in electoral politics.
Trap alerts
- Most people think that lowering the contesting age for MLA and MP will automatically lower the voting age, but actually it's two separate provisions with different implications.
- Most people think that the minimum age limit for contesting elections is uniform across all states, but actually each state has its own rules and regulations regarding election eligibility.
Prelims Practice MCQ
Single facteasy
What was the age at which voting rights were reduced by the 61st Constitutional Amendment?
The 61st Constitutional Amendment reduced the voting age from 21 to 18. This amendment aimed to increase voter participation and representation in the electoral process.
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