A Certificate of Disconnection: The RSS’s Misguided Outreach to Gen Z

The recent interaction between RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai has sparked debate about the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) attempts to woo younger generations. While the RSS claims this outreach is an effort to connect with the next wave of Indian voters, it appears little more than a desperate attempt to legitimize their ideology.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress general secretary and Wayanad MP, criticized Bhagwat’s efforts, saying young Indians don’t need a “certificate” from the RSS chief. Her remarks were met with approval from Opposition leaders, who have long accused the BJP and its affiliates of using divisive rhetoric to sway public opinion.

The question remains: what does Bhagwat hope to achieve by targeting Gen Z? Is it a genuine attempt to adapt the RSS’s ideology to changing times or simply a PR stunt designed to boost the party’s image? Karnataka minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge criticized the BJP for “desperately updating their vocabulary” while continuing to peddle divisive policies.

Bhagwat’s decision to interact with young Indians at NMACC only adds to the perception of insincerity. The event was seen as a publicity stunt, with many questioning its motivations. Was it an attempt to humanize the RSS and its affiliates or simply a chance for Bhagwat to discuss issues that matter little to his audience?

The disconnect between the BJP’s leadership and the people they claim to represent is stark. By trying to speak directly to Gen Z, Bhagwat and his cohorts are attempting to impose their ideology on a demographic increasingly skeptical of their methods. This approach recalls the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP attempted to co-opt younger voters with promises of economic growth and development.

However, these promises have yet to materialize for many Indians, particularly those from rural areas or marginalized communities. The RSS’s efforts to engage with Gen Z seem little more than a distraction from their own failures to address pressing issues facing India today.

As Gandhi put it, “They don’t need a certificate from you.” It’s time for the BJP and its affiliates to stop trying to buy credibility with young Indians. Instead of relying on empty gestures and PR stunts, they should focus on delivering tangible results that will genuinely benefit their constituents. Until then, their efforts to connect with Gen Z will remain little more than a hollow exercise in damage control.