Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 23: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday asserted that “nobody has a monopoly over Gen Z,” taking a subtle dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following the decisive win of the BJP-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in the recently concluded Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections.

In an interview with NDTV, Pradhan responded to Gandhi’s claim that Gen Z would protect the constitution and was not aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “Results show the trend. Nobody has a monopoly on Gen Z. Gen Z is for Bharat, and PM Modi is representing Bharat,” he said, pointing to the ABVP’s victory as a reflection of youth support.

The 2025 DUSU elections saw ABVP securing three of the four key posts, marking a clear edge over other student groups. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva described the outcome as a rebuke of Rahul Gandhi by Gen Z voters. “The Gen Z that Rahul Gandhi often talks about has already shown its resolve by saving Delhi, and today’s victory of ABVP is a slap in the face for Rahul Gandhi,” he said.

Congress, however, dismissed the BJP’s interpretation and accused ABVP of resorting to intimidation during polling. Congress leader Ajay Rai alleged, “ABVP members engaged in hooliganism, beat up students, and won the election through complete violence and intimidation.”

Last week, Rahul Gandhi had posted on X (formerly Twitter) following allegations of voter deletions in Karnataka during the 2023 Assembly elections, stating, “Students and youth of the country, and Gen Z will save the constitution, protect democracy and stop vote theft,” emphasising his support for the younger generation.

Gen Z, comprising individuals born between 1997 and 2012, have been in the spotlight after youth-led protests in neighbouring Nepal led to the fall of the ruling government, raising discussions about the potential influence of similar movements in India.