Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the BJP has not failed to connect with Generation Z voters.
The comments come as the ruling party faces criticism for being out of touch with younger demographics. Addressing the gap between government policy and youth expectations is critical for the BJP to maintain its electoral coalition among India's massive young population.
Speaking in New Delhi on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 [1], Rijiju described young people as "our own children" [1]. He said the government must maintain a continuous dialogue with the youth to understand their perspectives. However, he also noted that this engagement should be balanced with traditional values.
"Our youth are our own children and we must listen to them while also encouraging them to respect their elders," Rijiju said [1].
Beyond general engagement, Rijiju addressed specific unrest among students. He acknowledged that some of the issues driving student protests are legitimate, but he questioned the motives behind the organization of these movements. He specifically targeted the influence of political opponents in student activism.
"The concerns raised by protesting students are genuine, but AAP is trying to hijack the movement for its own ends," Rijiju said [1].
This statement follows reports regarding the involvement of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers in student-led demonstrations. Rijiju said the political opposition is utilizing student grievances to create instability rather than seeking constructive solutions. He urged students to distinguish between genuine advocacy and political manipulation.
Despite the friction, Rijiju said the BJP remains open to the concerns of the younger generation. He emphasized that the party's approach combines a willingness to listen with a commitment to the social hierarchy and respect for seniority, a cornerstone of traditional Indian family structures.
“"Our youth are our own children and we must listen to them while also encouraging them to respect their elders."”
The BJP's strategy involves a dual approach to youth engagement: acknowledging the legitimacy of Gen Z's grievances while simultaneously framing student activism as a tool for opposition parties like the AAP. By invoking the role of 'children' and the need to 'respect elders,' the party is attempting to align its political outreach with traditional cultural values to mitigate the impact of youth-led protests.
