BJP ramps up youth outreach to counter criticism after CJP-led student protest

The government’s plans to train 10 million people in artificial intelligence over the next year, provide free online coaching for competitive and government examinations, and launch a nationwide programme to identify and train future Olympic athletes are part of a broader BJP strategy to reshape its outreach and counter growing criticism, according to people familiar with the party’s plans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the initiatives in his Independence Day address, with BJP leaders saying the measures are aimed at strengthening the party’s connect with young voters amid concerns over recent bypoll setbacks and criticism on social media.

Several BJP leaders said internal surveys and feedback from the party cadre indicated that the recent electoral setbacks and growing online criticism were partly linked to the 37-day student protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

“The party has identified some gaps in our communication and outreach that could have exacerbated the students’ unrest and created a perception that the concerns of the youth were not addressed,” a BJP lawmaker said, requesting anonymity. “There will be more engagement with students and young adults.”

BJP acknowledges communication gaps

A section of BJP leaders has criticised the party’s initial response to the student unrest, arguing that it failed to adequately understand the mood among protesters and young people.

Some leaders believe the party should have engaged more actively with students through its youth wing, the Yuva Morcha, as well as the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

With preparations beginning for upcoming elections in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa, the BJP is planning an intensified outreach campaign focused on young voters.

“Going forward, the Yuva Morcha will be more active, and there will be more programmes and events to connect with the youth,” a second senior party functionary said.

The leader said the party would also engage with younger students who, despite their age, are increasingly active and influential on social media.

“Both in Bankipur and Datia we failed to counter a particular narrative, which hurt the party,” the functionary said. “We felt some issues did not merit a response, but in hindsight we should have been more forthcoming in tackling those.”

The BJP’s planned initiatives are expected to form part of a wider effort to address concerns among young people, strengthen its communication strategy and prevent emerging discontent from affecting its electoral prospects.