His Remarks Drew Reactions From Several People Across the Political Spectrum

While BJP leaders praised Bhagwat’s remarks and called him an inspiration, opposition parties questioned why BJP leaders had criticised young protesters. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Thursday that concerns raised by Gen Z are valid and described protest as a form of dialogue, in a major outreach to the youth against the backdrop of last month's student protests in Delhi. His remarks drew reactions from several people across the political spectrum.

Gen Z are our own children. If they protest for an issue, how can they become anti-national? Their concerns should be heard.

In a democracy, protest is also a form of dialogue. There is nothing wrong in protesting, but it should not be used to create divisions in society, he said. e taking part should not be labelled "anti-national".

I believe in Gen Z and Gen Alpha blindly because they are an honest generation, he added. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi said Gen Z does not require a "certificate" from Bhagwat after being asked about his remarks that protesters should not be branded "anti-national". They (Gen Z) don't need a certificate from Mohan Bhagwat ji, she told reporters.

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut welcomed Bhagwat's outreach to the youth and said young people in the country are becoming "ambassadors of our heritage". She told reporters, Mohan Bhagwat ji is highly respected and we have had the opportunity to listen to his wisdom and experiences many times. We are very happy that the youth of this country, who are connected with us and represent our culture, are emerging as ambassadors of our heritage.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah backed Bhagwat's remarks, saying it was reassuring that he had recognised the difference between opposing a government and acting against the country. "The good thing is that Mohan Bhagwat ji has acknowledged this distinction. Opposing the government is not the same as opposing the country.

In fact, opposing the government is often beneficial for the nation because it helps correct mistakes wherever they occur, he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav criticised the BJP over Bhagwat's remarks, saying the ruling party seeks help from the RSS whenever it finds itself "completely cornered". Speaking to reporters, Yadav said, "As the BJP government is feeling challenged by Gen Z, should they send Mohan Bhagwat to handle the situation?

Whenever they find themselves completely cornered, they turn to him, asking him to find a solution or speak on their behalf... West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh backed Bhagwat's outreach to young people, saying the RSS chief has always served as a "guardian, friend, philosopher and guide" for Hindu society. "Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat is, in a way, the guardian, friend, philosopher and guide of Hindu society. Whenever society faces a problem, or if the younger generation is seen moving in the wrong direction, it is his role to observe, listen to them and offer guidance.

He has always been doing this, Ghosh said. Karnataka minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge took a swipe at the RSS and the BJP, saying a change in language would not alter their ideology. In a post on X, he wrote, "RSS & BJP are desperately updating their vocabulary, but unfortunately, it won't update their ideology. The truth remains the same, dividing people, misguiding youth and dressing up hatred in new packaging.