New Delhi: A new political row has erupted after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent comments about “Gen Z” and his ongoing “vote chori” (vote theft) allegations. Following a press conference where he claimed a “systematic effort” of mass voter deletion was underway in India, Gandhi took to social media to state that the nation’s “Gen Z will defend the Constitution, protect democracy, and stop vote theft.” This comment came in the wake of recent youth-led protests in Nepal that resulted in the ousting of the government there.
BJP leader Nishikant Dubey swiftly responded to Gandhi’s remarks, taking a direct jab at the Congress leader’s dynastic background. Dubey tweeted, “Gen Z is against family politics. Why would they tolerate Rahul Ji after Nehru Ji, Indira Ji, Rajiv Ji, Sonia Ji?”
Speaking to the news agency ANI, Dubey expanded on his comments, arguing that the youth of India are against corruption and dynastic rule, a stance he claimed aligned with the BJP’s own political ideology. He drew a parallel between Gandhi’s comments and the recent Gen Z-led protests in Nepal, as well as a similar movement in Bangladesh. Dubey alleged that the Gen Z in Nepal wanted to establish a Hindu Rashtra, and the Gen Z in Bangladesh an Islamic nation. “If the Gen Z demands a Hindu Rashtra, what would you do then?” he asked, accusing Gandhi of trying to instigate a civil war. He warned that if Gandhi were to provoke the youth, the entire Congress party would have to “abscond from the country.”
Gandhi’s initial allegations, made at a press conference titled “Vote Chori Factory: The Aland Files,” centered on what he claimed was “100 percent proof” of fraudulent voter deletions. He accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of protecting the people behind these alleged actions. The Election Commission of India, however, has dismissed Gandhi’s claims as “incorrect and baseless,” and has stated that no online deletion of votes can be done without a hearing.
The exchange between the two leaders highlights the growing focus on Generation Z in India’s political landscape. As a tech-savvy generation, their political views and influence are becoming increasingly important. While political analysts note that this generation is more likely to engage in social and political issues, their leanings are not monolithic, and both the BJP and the Congress are attempting to win their favor.