Jaipur: The political landscape in Rajasthan is witnessing a shift as BJP turns its attention to young voters, with Gen Z emerging as a new focus of its electoral strategy . At the marathon meeting chaired by BJP’s central team, the party discussed its strategy to reach out to young voters. The shift has become particularly visible after student protests over rampant paper leaks, with the organisation working on ways to establish a more direct connect with the youth.State social media cell in charge Hirendra Kaushik said, “BJP is launching a ‘Student Feedback Programme’, under which members of Yuva Morcha, Mahila Morcha and social media team are visiting colleges, hostels and coaching institutes to interact directly with students. Centre’s education initiatives, views on paper leaks and suggestions from students are part of the outreach.”A source said, “While CM is reaching out to first-time voters through postcards as they turn 18, encouraging them to exercise their franchise and forging a direct connect, a recent video of Union minister Gajendra Singh engaging with Gen Z in their own language and style has also gained traction on social media.”Another BJP member said, “RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat recently said the younger generation cannot be engaged merely by giving them ‘orders’ and there is a need for ‘discussion’ with them”BJP’s youth outreach in Rajasthan began gaining visibility around Kargil Vijay Diwas, when the party’s youth wing organised a screening of ‘Shershaah’ in Jaipur, based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra. The event also saw prominent use of ‘Gen Z with Modi Ji’ branding and slogans, combining nationalism, an inspirational personality and youth engagement.Political messaging has also been accompanied by the state govt’s focus on recruitment and employment. A BJP office-bearer said, “Numbers explain why this generation has become increasingly important for political parties. According to Rajasthan govt’s ‘India Census 2036: Population Projection report’, the state’s projected population in 2026 is 8.38 crore. Of this, 3.58 crore people are expected to be in the 15-39 age group, accounting for 42.87% of the state’s population..”
