New Delhi: Senior Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has welcomed recent statements made by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding Gen Z demonstrations. Tharoor emphasised that peaceful protests by young citizens must be recognized as a fundamental element of democratic expression rather than being dismissed as anti-national conduct. Speaking during an interaction at the India International Model United Nations, the parliamentarian expressed appreciation for the perspective articulated by the RSS leader, noting that dissent serves as a vital communication channel between the public and governing bodies.
Highlighting the mechanics of civic engagement, Tharoor observed that public demonstrations function as essential safety valves in democratic societies. He noted that formal parliamentary debates and mainstream media outlets do not always provide sufficient avenues for citizens to voice legitimate grievances. Suppressing alternative forms of public expression risks compounding societal frustration, whereas allowing youth-led movements to speak out enables decision-makers to receive critical feedback directly from the electorate.
The Congress leader recalled his past intervention regarding the Cockroach Janata Party online movement, where he opposed government efforts to suspend the group’s account on social media platform X. He reiterated that political leaders across all parties must listen closely to emerging youth perspectives and accommodate young people within established democratic structures. Reflecting on recent student gatherings, Tharoor stressed that the current wave of youth engagement spans broad demographic lines across multiple northern states, indicating a significant shift in political awareness among the younger generation.
