Lucknow University students protest against hostel fee hike, demands rollback

Rajasthan's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress are set to contest the upcoming municipal and panchayat elections, which will be held in two phases on September 9 and 11. Ahead of these contests, the Congress has launched the “Gen Z for Change” campaign, aiming to engage digitally savvy youth voters through a multifaceted approach that extends beyond conventional electioneering. The campaign was officially launched on Tuesday by Congress leaders, who emphasized that it seeks to align with the aspirations and concerns of Rajasthan’s younger demographic. A state-level Professional Gen Z Committee has been established to oversee the initiative, which includes outreach efforts on college and university campuses, as well as the formation of district-level committees to directly engage with students. The committee aims to bridge the gap between young voters and party leadership by ensuring their voices are heard and addressed. Sumit Bhagasara, head of the Rajasthan Congress’s Social Media and Digital Platforms Department, stated that Gen Z is uniquely positioned to comprehend the challenges and ambitions of their generation. He highlighted that the committee’s primary goal is to foster a deeper connection with young voters by addressing their specific needs. This includes focusing on areas such as employment, education, skill development, artificial intelligence, and career opportunities, issues that resonate strongly with the current generation. To further solidify its appeal, the Congress plans to organize a range of activities aimed at empowering youth. These include free workshops on artificial intelligence, skill-development programs, career counseling sessions, and internships. Additionally, the party will provide legal support to content creators, reflecting an effort to cater to the diverse interests and livelihoods of young people. The campaign also underscores the growing importance of digital literacy and readiness for a technology-driven future. With increasing reliance on digital tools for both personal and professional life, the Congress believes that engaging with Gen Z through modern communication channels is essential for maintaining relevance in contemporary politics. The initiative follows recent nationwide student-led protests that led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in July. In Jharkhand, similar demonstrations over recruitment exam irregularities resulted in a 60-day suspension of sit-ins after the state government met most of the protesters' demands. These developments highlight the heightened awareness and activism among youth regarding governance and transparency. Through the “Gen Z for Change” campaign, the Congress intends to gather insights into the concerns and recommendations of Rajasthan’s youth. A comprehensive report detailing these findings will be compiled post-elections and presented to former party leader Rahul Gandhi and the Rajasthan Congress leadership. This report is expected to influence broader policy discussions at the national level. As Rajasthan continues to alternate between the BJP and Congress in state governance since 1993, the upcoming local body elections represent a critical juncture for both parties. The Congress’s strategic pivot towards Gen Z reflects an evolving political landscape where youth engagement is increasingly seen as a decisive factor in shaping electoral outcomes.