Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Sunday urged Kerala voters to treat the 2026 Assembly election as a stepping stone to defeat the BJP in 2029, calling it a battle to protect the Constitution and democratic values.
Speaking in Alappuzha, Revanth Reddy said the outcome of Kerala’s 2026 election would have national consequences. “Do not see it as just a state election. It will shape the future of the country in 2029,” he told the crowd. He also criticised the BJP for “stealing” voting rights and said the Congress was fighting to defend them.
He praised senior Congress leader KC Venugopal for his work on behalf of SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities, and cited Venugopal’s 2006 launch of the Ponthuvall MP Merit Awards as a model initiative. This year, over 3,500 students from 150 schools with 100% pass rates will receive awards for academic excellence.
Revanth Reddy commended Kerala’s pioneering education record, noting its historic literacy milestone and successful adult education programmes. He said the state’s near-zero dropout rate after Class 12 shows how seriously it treats education as a societal priority.
Revanth Reddy Kerala 2026 election speech stresses education reform
Revanth drew a comparison with Telangana, where his government aims to turn the state into a \$1 trillion economy by 2035 and \$3 trillion by 2047. “Education is the foundation of our growth,” he said, listing recent reforms including the appointment of 11,055 teachers in just 55 days.
He announced the construction of Young India Residential Schools in 100 constituencies, with each campus spread over 25 acres and built at a cost of ₹200 crore. These schools, he said, would match corporate-level institutions in quality.
To boost employability, he said the state had launched Young India Skills University with Anand Mahindra as chairman, and upgraded ITIs into advanced centres. Plans for a Sports University and Olympic-focused academy are also underway.
Youth urged to contest, lead national political shift in 2029
Revanth called on the country’s youth to recognise their political power. Referring to 21-year-old IAS officers managing districts, he asked, “Why not allow 21-year-olds to contest Assembly elections?” He said the Constitution must be amended to reflect that reality.
Live: Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri A. Revanth Reddy participates in the Ponthuvallu MP Merit Award 2025. https://t.co/2JbjF11XK3
— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) August 31, 2025
He accused the BJP of trying to dismantle democratic rights while Congress, despite lacking media support and financial strength, continues to fight to uphold the Constitution. “Rajiv Gandhi gave 18-year-olds the right to vote. Modi is trying to take it away,” he said.
Revanth Reddy urged young people to lead the campaign to elect Rahul Gandhi as Prime Minister in 2029. “You are our strength, our brand ambassadors. Fight for your future and for the country,” he said.