Kangana Ranaut's U-turn: What she now said about Gen Z?
A day after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat supported the right of 'Gen Z' and 'Gen Alpha' to protest, MP Kangana Ranaut made a U-turn on Friday, describing young protesters as the country's 'strength' and 'cultural ambassadors.' Previously, she had termed this generation the 'gutter generation,' a remark that had sparked significant controversy.
Reversing her earlier stance regarding the youth protesting against the NEET paper leak, Kangana Ranaut told reporters in the Parliament complex in New Delhi on Friday, "Gen Z is the strength of our country and a great asset. We are very happy that our youth are rapidly emerging as ambassadors of our culture and identity."
Earlier, the MP had labeled the youth the 'gutter generation,' accusing them of aggressive behavior and a lack of personal accountability—comments that drew sharp criticism on social media. On Friday, she praised Bhagwat's interaction with the youth and stated that the handful of individuals who hurl abuses at the Prime Minister do not represent the entire 'Gen Z' generation.
Addressing a gathering in Mumbai on Thursday, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had stated that protest is a legitimate form of dialogue in a democracy. He remarked, "If Gen Z is agitating, they are not anti-national. They are our own people; they are our next generation."
Youth do not need any certificate from RSS chief: Priyanka
Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also stated in the Parliament complex that the youth do not need any certificate from the RSS chief. She accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of avoiding Parliament and demanded that the government take responsibility for the alleged police excesses against students during the protests over the NEET paper leak.
Analysts believe that this stance by the Sangh is an attempt to connect with a vocal younger generation concerned about issues like education and jobs, and to distance itself from the aggressive statements made by BJP leaders. Politically, this is viewed as a significant move, given that young people and first-time voters are emerging as a major electoral demographic.