Congress lost the millennials. Can it win over Gen Z?
Rahul Gandhi is focusing on forging a bond with the youth ahead of the 2029 elections, recognizing that Gen Z will be a key voting bloc.
In 2008, Rahul Gandhi's interaction with Kalavati went viral, a farmer's widow raising nine children in Vidarbha. Eighteen years later, the Leader of Opposition stood beside Rhiya Ahir, a 27-year-old social media sensation following student protests. Congress lost the millennials, except in the South, as Gen Z grew up and sought more progressive options.
Rahul's communication strategy involves speaking their language, using Instagram to engage young voters and blend serious questions with playful comments. Former Congress leader Sanjay Jha believes Rahul's natural language resonates more with Gen Z than Prime Minister Modi's. Despite recent BJP setbacks, including the NEET agitation, the party could be in a precarious position.
With an estimated 36.4 crore voting-age Gen Z Indians by 2029, primarily in 12 states, Congress faces the challenge of maintaining organisation and attracting their support, especially in states where the party's organizational strength is weak.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
