Concern in BJP over renewed outreach

The PM’s instruction was intended to pave the way for free wheeling conversions with the younger generation coupled with renewed outreach on social media in the wake of the protests that erupted over paper leaks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s instruction to Union ministers, asking them to visit schools and public universities in a bid to blunt the anger against the government and to build ties with the younger demographic, has set off concern among a section of BJP leaders who feel this renewed outreach might upset the core constituency of the party and pave the way for more groups to push for their demands through protests, said people aware of the details.

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“There is a concern that the government’s outreach may be setting the stage for more pressure groups to protest and take to the streets,” said a party functionary, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Last week, at the Jantar Mantar, police had to use force to disburse a group of protesters seeking an end to reservation.

The PM’s instruction was intended to pave the way for free wheeling conversions with the younger generation coupled with renewed outreach on social media in the wake of the protests that erupted over paper leaks.

“The PM’s instruction and the steps being taken to reach out to the youth are in good faith. Debates, discussions and even protests are part of the democratic process… but the CJP protests are now appearing more political than about students issues,” said the functionary quoted above.

The functionary said the government had already set out to make amends by re-conducting NEET exams and taking legal action against the guilty, but the CJP put pressure for the removal of then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The functionary said several party leaders had “reservations” about ministers being sent to universities, where “confrontations could be planned to derail the outreach. “

“The other reason is that when the UGC guidelines were issued, there was a section of students who were up in arms about the issue… largely affiliated to the BJP, they were made to stand down. Now, the core constituency feels slighted…” the functionary said.

Earlier, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat also said the grievances of Gen Z were genuine and that he would “trust them blindly.”

On whether the party is following the cue of its ideology mentor, a second leader said, “The Sangh routinely reaches out to all sections including students. But while it backs dialogue with genuine students and legitimate concerns, it also cautions against vested interests…” the leader said.

He said the CJP, carrying out inspection of government-run schools is an example of politicising the issue. The group has been visiting schools to show poor infrastructure and lack of amenities in government-run institutions.

“The Sangh always lays emphasis on samaj (civil society) taking responsibility, but what we are seeing is selective pressure and action….”