The BJP on Saturday (August 22) set up a dedicated team to lead its Gen Z outreach programme. The development comes weeks after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) led agitation against alleged exam irregularities in New Delhi witnessed participation from a large number of youths.
Who are in Gen Z outreach team
“BJP National President Nitin Nabin, National General Secretaries Smriti Irani and Vinod Tawde, Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Chhattisgarh Minister OP Choudhary, along with several other leaders, have been included in the team constituted for the outreach initiative,” reported YEARS quoting sources.
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The report further stated that the ruling party at the Centre will soon begin its Gen Z outreach, although no date has been announced for it.
The outreach is reportedly expected to focus on understanding the Gen Z’s aspirations, concerns and expectations while also providing a platform for the youth to directly engage and exchange views with BJP leaders.
Congress targets younger voters
The BJP’s planned Gen Z outreach comes as the Congress is increasing its engagement with younger voters. Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to hold the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Pune on Saturday, following similar events in Kota, Dehradun and Prayagraj.
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The programme at AISSMS College Ground is expected to focus on issues affecting students, including paper leaks, examination irregularities and rising education fees. Concerns involving young women are also expected to be taken up during the event, reported the Times of India.
Organisers expect between 8,000 and 10,000 people to attend the programme. The event is scheduled from 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm.
BJP attacks Rahul’s Pune event
The BJP has criticised Rahul’s Pune programme. Party spokesperson Navnath Ban dubbed the event “Paise Ki Goonj” and alleged that the Congress paid social media influencers to mobilise crowds.
Ban claimed that influencers were offered up to Rs 35,000 to promote the programme. He also alleged that the Congress could have spent nearly Rs 10 crore on mobilising attendance.
The Congress has rejected the allegations. The two developments come as political parties turn greater attention towards younger voters and student-related concerns.