BJP's Ram Madhav Defends Gen Z Protests as Democratic Right

BJP leader Ram Madhav has defended the right of young Indians to protest, pushing back against attempts to categorise or blame demonstrators who gathered in Delhi last month.

Speaking about the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar, Madhav said that in a democracy, public demonstrations are a legitimate way to express grievances. "Why should anyone blame anyone else? In a democracy, there can be protests. Democracy allows you to publicly express your concerns, your grievances. It happens," he said.

Madhav also criticised the tendency to label the protesters, noting they have been called Gen Z, millennials, and even "Gillennials." He asked, "Why divide our youth?" adding that young people often use different means to raise issues that concern them.

The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), began peacefully but later turned violent during a police crackdown. Protest leaders alleged that Delhi Police used lathis, tear gas, and in some instances pellet guns, causing injuries.

The CJP called off the protest on July 25 after the government assured action on some demands, including the replacement of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and withdrawal of police cases against student protesters without criminal records. Pradhan was subsequently replaced by Pralhad Joshi.

Madhav noted that the protest organisers themselves acknowledged the government's response and withdrew calls for further demonstrations. "They said we are happy with the way government responded to our demands," he stated.