New Delhi, 18 August (H.S.): Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking in an interview about the student protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and the emerging youth leadership associated with it, said the students’ concerns were legitimate and that they should be engaged in dialogue. However, he alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party and some other political parties were attempting to use the students’ issues for political gain.

Rijiju said Maharashtra-based Abhijit Dipke was associated with the Aam Aadmi Party, raising questions about his participation in the student movement. He said there was nothing wrong with engaging in dialogue with students, as young people possessed enthusiasm and energy. However, he stressed that it would be inappropriate for political parties to use students as a shield to pursue their own political interests.

Asked whether the Bharatiya Janata Party had fallen behind in connecting with Generation Z, or the younger generation, Rijiju rejected the suggestion. He said there was no lack of engagement with young people. According to him, young people are like their own children, and Indian as well as Asian societies traditionally maintain strong family bonds.

Rijiju said the views and demands of the younger generation should not simply be dismissed. Instead, they should be heard, while the government should also explain its own position to them. He emphasised the need for continuous dialogue between young people and the government.

According to Rijiju, if young people are constantly encouraged only to raise demands, it will take longer to bridge the existing gap. Therefore, he said, a solution can be found only through dialogue, mutual understanding and sustained engagement.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar