New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s recent comments invoking a “Gen Z revolution” have sparked a fresh political storm, with the BJP accusing him of endorsing street protests and violence similar to those witnessed during Nepal’s political upheaval.
Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Gandhi alleged “vote chori” (vote theft) in India and said that the country’s Gen Z would “save the Constitution, protect democracy, and stop vote theft.” He later reiterated this message on X, writing:
“The youth of the country, the students of the country, the Gen Z of the country will save the Constitution, protect democracy, and stop vote theft. I always stand with them. Jai Hind!”
Though Gandhi did not mention Nepal by name, his remarks were widely interpreted as a reference to the youth-led protests in Kathmandu that ended the monarchy nearly two decades ago. The BJP was quick to attack him, arguing that the Nepal movement was directed against corruption and dynastic politics — both allegations that have long dogged the Congress party.
“Rahul Gandhi is making a dangerous comment,” BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said. “Gen Z in Nepal fought against corruption and dynastic rule — which is exactly what Congress represents.”
Other opposition voices, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, have also warned that a “Nepal-like” uprising could happen in India, while JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar dismissed the comparison, arguing that India’s democracy and economic resilience cannot be equated with its neighbours.
Former BJP MP Subrat Pathak went a step further, controversially suggesting that if such revolutions erupted in India, the homes of Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav would be “set ablaze” by angry citizens.
Congress MP Manish Tewari, meanwhile, struck a cautious tone, noting on X that social media campaigns had toppled governments in Bangladesh and Nepal and hinting at the possibility of similar churn elsewhere in South Asia.
Political observers say Gandhi’s comments carry risks for the Congress. While he has positioned himself as a defender of the Constitution and democracy, his allusion to street movements risks implying that change should come outside the ballot box an idea that critics argue undermines democratic institutions.
The challenge is compounded by voting trends. Data shows that Gen Z, which accounted for about 41 per cent of the electorate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, largely backed the BJP and NDA, which together won around 43 per cent of this crucial voter segment only a marginal decline since 2019. With the government’s emphasis on jobs, skills, and youth-focused schemes, the BJP remains confident of retaining its support base.
Analysts say Gandhi’s rhetoric may energise his supporters but risks alienating undecided voters, especially as he continues to attack the Election Commission’s credibility. Critics argue that by hinting at extra-parliamentary action, Gandhi may undercut his own Vote Adhikar Yatra campaign, which relies on faith in the power of the ballot.
