BJP youth outreach: Party leaders split on 'Gen Z' label, push for tailored approach

The BJP's internal brainstorming on engaging young Indians has concluded that the demographic cannot be treated as a single, uniform bloc, with participants in a high-level meeting on Saturday urging the party to adopt more nuanced outreach strategies.

Chaired by party president Nitin Nabin in New Delhi, the session brought together around 45 young leaders. The initiative also includes party general secretary Smriti Irani and Chhattisgarh Minister O.P. Choudhary as committee members. Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with Ministers of State Kamlesh Paswan and Raksha Khadse, were also present.

According to sources, several attendees argued that the term 'Gen Z' is too broad and potentially misleading. They suggested the party either use the simpler label 'youth' or refer to specific age brackets to better reflect the differing realities of young people across the country.

One participant noted that while the recent protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET paper leak showed 'horizontal solidarity' among the age cohort, this does not mean all young people share the same life experiences. "Young people in Tier two cities and villages will have different ideas about life, their opportunities and what they think on various issues," the attendee said, advocating for a graded engagement with different kinds of youngsters.

Participants emphasised the need for differentiated communication methods and engagement strategies for various categories of youth. At the same time, several leaders cautioned against neglecting the party's traditional support base. One participant stressed that energising veteran workers is just as important as expanding youth outreach, and that efforts should be made to strengthen cadres' confidence in the leadership.

The 45 attendees have been divided into five or six groups, led by figures including Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Chhattisgarh Minister O.P. Choudhary. Participants have been asked to submit their recommendations to their team leaders within the next seven to eight days, preferably before September 10, so the suggestions can be consolidated.

Sources said the recommendations will be considered for implementation in future party programmes. Preparations are also underway for youth-focused activities during the 'Seva Sankalp Mahotsav', which will mark 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public service journey starting September 17.