Chirag Paswan launches Generation Z intervention to ‘counter’ Rahul Gandhi’s campaign

Chirag Paswan’s campaign kicks off with an event in Patna on September 24, 2026. File | Photo credit: ANI

Union minister and Lok Janshakti (Ram Vilas) Party leader Chirag Paswan will launch a Gen Z awareness campaign called “Youth Bole To” later this month, with party insiders describing it as an attempt to counter Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ongoing “Chhatron Ki Goonj” events in which the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha raises youth issues.

Mr Paswan’s campaign will kick off with an event in Patna on September 24, 2026, his party’s Bihar president Surendra Vivek announced on Saturday (September 19, 2026).

“A big event, ‘Youth Bole To’, will be organized at the Veterinary Ground in Patna. At this event, our (party’s) National President Chirag Paswan ji will engage in a direct dialogue with the new generation of Biharis, especially Gen Z,” Mr. Vivek said.

He added, “The aim of the campaign is to provide a robust platform for young people to openly express their views. During the event, young people will be able to interact directly with Chirag Paswan on various topics related to their future, including education, employment, skill development, entrepreneurship, technology and challenges of the digital age.”

Party insiders said that through the campaign, Mr. Paswan is trying to influence the 2027 assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, where his party has already decided to contest all 403 seats. After Patna, the youth awareness campaign will head to UP and another event will be held in Prayagraj on September 27, followed by other cities in the state. According to party insiders, Mr. Paswan is trying to project himself as a major youth leader.

Mr. Vivek said, “Chirag Paswan consistently appreciates the aspirations and dreams of the youth as well as their role in a changing India. At a time when the young generation plays a key role in the direction and development of the country, the ‘Youth Bole To’ event will offer an important opportunity for a direct dialogue between the youth and the leadership.”

He further said that the youth are not only the future but also a vital force in the present and it is imperative to understand their perspectives, suggestions and concerns and integrate them into the mainstream of politics and development.

Mr. Vivek asked all party officials, youth activists and supporters to ensure the success of the event by ensuring maximum participation. He emphasized that this event is not just a gathering, but a significant initiative to listen to young people, understand their desires and establish a meaningful dialogue with them.

When asked by The Hindu whether LJP (RV) sees Gen Z as its vote bank, Mr. Vivek said. “No, our party does not see the youth as a vote bank. It is our duty and responsibility to take care of all groups of people when we are in politics. Be it student protests in Patna or Ranchi, our leader has always supported their grievances.”

Published – 19 Sep 2026 22:48 IST