"Nobody Has Monopoly On Gen Z": Dharmendra Pradhan Jabs Rahul Gandhi

Union Education Minister made reference to DUSU election results while taking a jab at Rahul Gandhi.

No one has exclusive rights over Generation Z, stated Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan while criticizing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. During an interview with NDTV's Manogya Loiwal, Pradhan responded to Gandhi's assertion that Generation Z doesn't support the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and will safeguard the constitution.

However, the recently completed Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections, where the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), BJP's student wing, achieved victory, have demonstrated a different reality - one that supports the government.

Addressing this outcome, Pradhan remarked, "Results indicate the trend. No one has exclusive rights over Generation Z. Gen Z stands for Bharat, and PM Modi represents Bharat."

Individuals born between 1997 and 2012 are categorized as Generation Z.

How Generation Z Supported BJP In DUSU Elections

The ABVP emerged with a clear advantage in the 2025 DUSU elections, winning three out of four key positions.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva described the DUSU victory as Generation Z voters' rejection of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

"The Generation Z that Rahul Gandhi frequently mentions has already demonstrated its determination by protecting Delhi, and today's ABVP triumph is a rebuke to Rahul Gandhi," Sachdeva stated on Friday.

The Congress, however, rejected the BJP's interpretation and accused ABVP of utilizing intimidation during voting.

Congress leader Ajay Rai claimed, "I believe the atmosphere during the election appeared positive when I visited, but the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members engaged in hooliganism, assaulted students, and secured their election victory through complete violence and intimidation."

What Rahul Gandhi Had Stated

Last week, following a detailed presentation on alleged mass voter deletions from Congress strongholds in Karnataka during the 2023 Assembly election, Gandhi posted on X (formerly Twitter), asserting "students and youth of the country, and Gen Z will protect the constitution, defend democracy and prevent vote theft" and that he stands with them.

देश के Yuvaदेश के Studentsदेश की Gen Zसंविधान को बचाएंगे, लोकतंत्र की रक्षा करेंगे और वोट चोरी को रोकेंगे।मैं उनके साथ हमेशा खड़ा हूं।जय हिंद! pic.twitter.com/cLK6Tv6RpS

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 18, 2025

Generation Z has been in focus ever since Gen Z-led protests in neighboring Nepal overthrew the ruling government. This has prompted questions about whether similar protests could occur in India.