Congress leader and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has stirred a political storm after drawing parallels between India’s youth and the Gen Z-led movement in Nepal, which ousted a dynastic regime amid widespread protests. Gandhi’s comments came during a press conference where he reiterated concerns over alleged “vote chori” and urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish consolidated, machine-readable voter rolls for all recent elections.

Gen Z and the call for change

On X, Gandhi posted: “The youth of the country, the students of the country, the Gen Z of the country will save the Constitution, protect democracy, and stop vote theft. I always stand with them. Jai Hind!”

Although he did not explicitly mention Nepal, his remarks drew immediate criticism from the BJP. Party leaders accused him of encouraging unrest and pointed to the irony of invoking a youth movement in a neighboring country against corruption and dynastic politics — practices historically linked to the Congress itself.

BJP highlights alleged contradictions

The BJP argued that Gandhi’s reference was a contradiction, given the Congress party’s association with corruption scandals during UPA I and UPA II, and the entrenched dynastic leadership of the Gandhi family. According to BJP spokespersons, the Gen Z movement in Nepal was not only anti-corruption but also accompanied by violence, arson, and deaths, which makes the comparison politically sensitive.

“The youth in Nepal challenged a corrupt and dynastic system, yet the Congress party itself has been at the center of similar allegations for decades,” BJP leaders said. They also criticised Gandhi for framing the Gen Z as a political solution in India while the Congress continues to be viewed as part of a dynastic structure.

Congress stands by youth engagement

Congress, however, defended Gandhi’s comments as a call for democratic participation and civic responsibility among India’s youth. Party sources said the intention was to mobilise Gen Z to safeguard the electoral process, counter misinformation, and ensure free and fair elections, rather than incite violence.

“The youth of India have always played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic fabric,” a Congress official noted. “Rahul Gandhi’s remarks are aimed at encouraging awareness and vigilance against irregularities in the voting process.”

Political implications

The exchange underscores the rising tension around electoral integrity and youth participation in India. Rahul Gandhi’s call for machine-readable voter rolls and public accountability has added fuel to the debate on alleged vote manipulation, while the BJP continues to highlight perceived inconsistencies in his messaging.

Observers say the remarks could energize young voters ahead of future elections, even as opposition parties remain cautious about being linked to international movements that involved violence.