From reels to rallies: Is Gen Z India's new political force?

Short attention spans online obsession and political indifference mdash that was the stereotype often associated with Indias Gen Z But herersquos the plot twist a generation often perceived as disengaged from electoral politics is now standing for hours on the streets demanding accountabilityThis year may well be remembered as a defining moment in Indias youth politics A generation often criticised for being glued to smartphones chasing viral trends and consumed by social media suddenly found itself occupying streets across the countryThe movement prompted a government response including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan a direct outreach by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the formation of a task force to curb paper leaksPolice detaining protestors at Shivaji Park during the agitation PicAtul KambleNow that several of their demands have been met the question is whether this youth moment marks a genuine political awakening or remains a onetime mobilisation triggered by an issue that gained significant momentum through social mediaWill they spend as much time evaluating the performance of their local corporator MLA and MP as they do following celebrity gossip influencer controversies or the latest cricket headlinesAccording to the Election Commission of India ECI nearly 180 to 185 crore voters were in the crucial 1819 age bracket during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections However the ECI does not publish data showing how many firsttime or Gen Z voters actually cast their ballots making it difficult to assess the electoral participation of this demographicConversations with several young voters in Mumbai also reflect that disconnect Many admitted that they skipped voting because they believed politics was too political for them and they would rather stay away from it The recent protests however suggest that at least some young voters are beginning to engage with politics differentlylsquoThe protest has awakened the voter inside usrsquoOshin Bhatkar a young protester who works as digital marketing professional in Mumbai said This protest made me realise that being politically aware isnt optional mdash its a responsibility I had never voted before but the past few weeks have awakened the voter in me From now on Ill vote in every electionmdashfrom the Lok Sabha to the assembly and the municipal electionsrdquoOshin Bhatkar 26 PicSpecial arrangementRehan Bhagchandani 19 a BMS student at a South Mumbai college who also participated in the protest said ldquoThis protest made me realise that its far more important to analyse the performance of the politicians contesting elections than spend hours analysing an influencers style or tracking a movies box office numbersrdquoRehan Bhagchandani PicSpecial arrangementSanju Shibu who works as a professional in a creative agency at Mumbai says Showing up for a cause because everyone was and showing up to vote are fundamentally different things Gen Z didnrsquot just show up because they cared for the cause they did but it was also about peer pressure wanting to make content and be out there where everyone else isWhile expressing his views on whether this generation would continue the enthusiasm when it comes to voting the 27yearold asserted A rough proportion of people will show up to vote However if we really want the Gen Z to show up there has to be similar noise Otherwise it may die down As unfortunate as it is thatrsquos how it isWill Gen Zrsquos political participation increase Political observersrsquo takePolitical observers remain divided on how history will remember the current youth movement While some argue that the participation was driven largely by social media trends and the fear of missing out others believe it could mark the beginning of a new phase of citizenled democratic participationRuben Mascarenhas working president Aam Aadmi Party AAP Mumbai PicSpecial arrangementEchoing similar sentiments Ruben Mascarenhas 36 Mumbai Working President of the Aam Aadmi Party AAP said the monthlong protest has reignited political consciousness among the countrys youthThis protest has surely ignited the youth to realise that the government must be questioned and that the ruling party should be held accountable for its actions through peaceful democratic protests he saidSpeaking about Gen Zs electoral participation Mascarenhas expressed confidence that the movement would have a lasting impact This protest has surely created a revolution I believe the youth of this country will now come out to vote and elect their representatives he saidOn whether political parties would now have to rethink their strategies to appeal to younger voters Mascarenhas said the shift will be inevitable Political parties will now be under increasing pressure to field younger candidates because a young India needs young leaders to represent them Mascarenhas addedAshoke Pandit sheds light over GenZs participation in Indian politicsRenowned filmmaker and social activist Ashoke Pandit known for making films on national issues said ldquoThe Gen Zled protest was driven by a legitimate cause as those involved in the alleged NEET irregularities must be held accountablerdquoHowever he expressed concern over the conduct of a section of the protesters stating ldquoThere were some who appeared to have joined the agitation merely because it had become a trendrdquoFilmmaker and social activist Ashoke Pandit PicSpecial arrangementThere were videos showing some protesters using abusive language against the Prime Minister and other officials Some of the placards and posters carried explicit and offensive content Pandit said He added that while peaceful protests are an essential part of democracy the manner in which people express their dissent also mattersYou have every right to protest but the language and behaviour you display reflect your upbringing It is important to voice criticism responsibly while maintaining dignity he said Real change demands presence on the streets and at polling boothsThe protests reminded an entire generation that democracy is not confined to smartphones or social media timelines Real change demands presence on the streets when necessary and at the polling booth when it matters mostMassive crowd gathered at Mumbais Shivaji Park during the agitation PicAtul KambleIf the energy witnessed over the past month translates into informed voting continuous civic participation and greater scrutiny of elected representatives Indias Gen Z may not simply be remembered as the generation that protested It could be remembered as a generation that reshaped democratic participation in India