RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Says Gen Z Protests Are Not Anti-National

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed a gathering of Gen Z and Gen Alpha students at the 15th annual conference of India's International Movement to Unite Nations in Mumbai. During the interaction, he stated that protesting is a valid form of dialogue within a democracy and that young people should not be branded as anti-national for expressing dissent. He acknowledged that the current generation is honest and seeks logical answers, noting that their grievances regarding the education system are legitimate and deserve to be heard through discussion.

The comments follow significant student-led protests, including those surrounding the NEET examination paper leak, which led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Political observers view Bhagwat's outreach as a strategic effort by the RSS to engage with the younger demographic ahead of future electoral cycles. While some opposition leaders welcomed the distinction between government criticism and anti-national activity, others questioned the timing and consistency of the stance given previous criticisms of student protesters by ruling party members.