BSP’s Mayawati Says Youth Movements Must Not Be ‘Hijacked’ by Political Parties

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Sunday expressed concern that movements highlighting the problems of Gen-Z youth, students and unemployed people were increasingly being “hijacked” by political parties, raising doubts among young people about their original purpose.

In a post on X, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said there were several instances in the country that suggested the Gen-Z movement associated with the CJP had gradually shifted from an independent platform to a politically driven one.

Mayawati said young people and students who had been shown “big dreams” during the Jantar Mantar movement were now facing uncertainty as different political parties allegedly sought to take control of such initiatives. She maintained that the BSP had consistently supported the legitimate demands of Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha, particularly on issues concerning employment and the future of young people.

She said BSP state units had been instructed to approach the authorities concerned in their respective regions and remain prepared to facilitate a peaceful resolution of youth-related grievances.

At the same time, Mayawati directed BSP workers not to participate in dharnas, demonstrations or agitations, citing party discipline. Instead, she asked them to conserve their physical, mental and financial resources for elections.

Mayawati said the BSP aimed to establish a government guided by the principle of “Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay”, or welfare and happiness for all, and claimed that the party had demonstrated this approach during its four terms in power in Uttar Pradesh.

She also referred to the alleged assault on Sanjay Azad during the Gen-Z movement at Jantar Mantar. Mayawati said the incident could have been prevented if police had acted promptly and demanded the strictest legal action against those responsible.

Azad, the father of a minor activist, was allegedly assaulted by Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj. Bhardwaj was arrested in connection with the case after allegedly discussing the incident and claiming political connections had provided him protection.