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New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS) It is interesting to see how Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is trying to woo ‘Gen Z’ towards his views on India, the current central government and the broader social environment. Almost all of his public rallies and public relations programs seem designed to excite the imagination of a generation that has grown up with access to the Internet, smartphones and social media.
Gandhi has taken inspiration from the Gen Z rebellion in Nepal and some other countries. He believes that this large group of youth can be continuously fed information with dramatic data and visuals and can be influenced and organized towards a particular idea.
He may not be wrong in that belief. Recent events in Nepal, although causing large-scale destruction, were actually driven by young people who increasingly organized through online networks.
Gen Z is known for its ability to unite people around issues that impact their infrastructure and freedoms – as was seen in Nepal. Angered by the government’s ban on social media, youth took to the streets in Kathmandu.
A period of intense violence began after security forces opened fire on the protesters. The initial anger over the social media ban soon turned into a broader movement targeting the government and ruling parties. Protesters set fire to government buildings, including the parliament and courts, attacked politicians and officials, and ultimately, ousted the existing government on 9 September.
Rahul Gandhi now seems eager to channel the same Gen Z energy to India – to unite the youth and challenge the current government. Gen Z has demonstrated its power in about seven countries, and in many others, it has taken to the streets to express its disagreement. The protests in Nepal in September follow a similar youth-led movement in Bangladesh nearly a year ago, which ultimately ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
It seems that Gandhi’s advisors believe that India’s Gen Z can also be groomed in a similar manner. This may explain why Rahul Gandhi is addressing him directly on key issues – most prominently, his claim of “vote theft”, aimed at discrediting the Modi-led government.
He first appealed to Gen Z shortly after the violent unrest in Nepal. On Twitter, he wrote, “The youth of the country, the students of the country, the Gen Z of the country will save the Constitution, protect democracy and stop the theft of votes… I always stand with them.”
It was a carefully written message that emphasized the Constitution, democracy, and the right to vote – values that resonate deeply with Gen Z. He is known for being outspoken about freedom, rights and fairness. So, when Rahul Gandhi talks about democracy being under threat and elections being manipulated, it is probably a message designed to get his attention.
His focus on Gen Z became even more evident during a press conference at the Congress national headquarters on November 5, a day before the first phase of voting in the Bihar elections. In his opening remarks, he addressed young voters directly: “I want Gen Z to take this seriously because your future is being taken away from you. You are the one who is being stolen from.”
The presentation focused on his allegations of rigging by the Election Commission and the BJP in the Haryana Assembly elections. He concluded by saying: “India’s Gen Z and youth have the power to restore our democracy with truth and non-violence.”
Such statements make it clear that developments in the neighboring countries – Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal – have become a source of inspiration for Rahul Gandhi and his team. The sheer organizational power of youth – networked, spontaneous and emotionally rich – is something every politician would envy. And Rahul Gandhi seems eager to replicate that energy in India.
There is clear political mathematics behind the idealism. Gandhi’s “vote theft” narrative – his allegation that elections are being manipulated under the Modi government – is not just about questioning institutions. This is a carefully selected generation that has grown up believing in fairness, transparency and the right to express their views. If democracy is being “stolen,” as they say, then Gen Z becomes both victim and savior in its political script.
But will it work? This is a difficult question.
Like its global peers, India’s Gen Z is a hyper-connected generation. They are tech-savvy, mobile-first, and use online platforms for learning, shopping, and socializing. They are trend-oriented rather than brand-loyal and are heavily influenced by digital creators. They’re experts at “spending” – spending smartly by looking for discounts, rewards and deals. They value flexible work, good pay and travel opportunities. Most importantly, they live in the present, often prioritizing short-term experiences over long-term planning.
So far, Gandhi’s outreach has not created any visible ripples. Rallies are getting louder, social media content is getting more optimized – but the streets are quieter. Gen Z audiences are watching, scrolling, and perhaps even agreeing in part – but not organizing.
Nevertheless, Gandhi’s perseverance is remarkable. His campaign for the Bihar elections was full of Gen Z references, digital signals and a tone designed for dialogue rather than confrontation. He is clearly betting on long-term emotional investment rather than short-term electoral gains.
The real test will be on November 14, when Bihar results will be declared. This will be a test of governance for NDA. The test of alliance arithmetic for the Grand Alliance. But for Rahul Gandhi, it will be something more symbolic – a decision on whether India’s Gen Z is willing to accept his promise to “save democracy”.
For now, they seem curious – but unconcerned.
(Deepika Bhan can be contacted at Deepika.b@ians.in)
–IANS
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