Modi’s Youth Problem: Can He Adapt?

India’s Instagram-first Gen Z has dealt Prime Minister Narendra Modi a rare setback, forcing his Education Minister to resign over exam paper leaks. This development may seem like a minor skirmish in the country’s vast and complex electoral landscape, but it represents a more profound challenge for Modi: connecting with an increasingly disillusioned younger generation.

Modi has governed as a strong, decisive figure who admits few mistakes. His government has been criticized for being out of touch with young Indians’ concerns, particularly on issues like unemployment and the impact of artificial intelligence on their jobs. The protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have brought these anxieties to the forefront, forcing Modi’s administration to acknowledge student concerns.

The CJP’s success on Instagram is a testament to social media’s power in shaping public opinion. With 22 million followers, mostly from Gen Z, the party has created a sense of momentum and authenticity that eludes the BJP’s digital strategy. While Modi’s personal following on various social media platforms is massive, his party’s online presence pales in comparison.

The BJP’s approach to digital politics is facing questions about its effectiveness. For years, they have focused on traditional platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, but these seem increasingly out of sync with the younger generation’s preferences. Instagram has become the platform of choice for Gen Z, and the BJP’s failure to adapt is starting to show.

Analyst Amitabh Tiwari noted that “The paper leak is a trigger point… it is largely a reflection of the anxiety, nervousness, discontent, frustration, and anger among the youth.” This sentiment is not unique to India; young people around the world are increasingly disillusioned with their governments’ ability to address their concerns.

Modi’s government has responded to the protests by promising remedial steps. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be sufficient. The CJP has already demonstrated its ability to mobilize a wide cross-section of society, and its influence is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Tiwari added that “From now, a leader who listens is likely to do well… And that is what Modi is trying to show.”

However, Modi’s government track record suggests he may struggle to adapt. It took nearly a year of protests for him to repeal contentious farm laws in 2021. The stakes are high, particularly with elections looming in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Gujarat.

The CJP’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, has hinted that his party may turn itself into a full-fledged political entity in the future. If this happens, it could mark a significant shift in India’s electoral landscape. The country’s youth have historically been influenced by caste and religious lines, but the CJP’s success suggests that things may be changing.

Author Anurag Minus Verma noted that “This has been a moment of reckoning for PM Modi – and it shows how they are completely out of touch with what Gen Z wants.” The question is whether Modi can course-correct before it’s too late.