New Delhi, August 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Gen Z has rapidly emerged as one of the most talked-about demographics in India, attracting attention across homes, industries, communities and, increasingly, the political arena. With the 2027 Assembly elections in key states such as Uttar Pradesh and Punjab approaching, followed by the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, political parties are keenly studying how to connect with young voters.
The effort is visible not only in political messaging but also in the way leaders present themselves. The traditional image of the politician in a kurta-pyjama and formal demeanour is increasingly being supplemented by smart shirts, jeans, chinos, jackets and sneakers — an attempt to appear more contemporary and relatable to younger audiences.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been particularly active in engaging with students and younger citizens. His ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ interactions are aimed at connecting with students, while his public appearance has also evolved. His recent social-media activity, including an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session on Instagram, has offered followers glimpses into his personal life, including his pet dog Noorie.
The informal approach reflects a broader political shift: leaders are increasingly recognising that a carefully crafted social-media moment can sometimes connect with young audiences more effectively than a conventional speech.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has also embraced selfie-style videos as a means of communicating with the public. The emergence of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which grew out of viral internet content and has links to people associated with the AAP, has further highlighted the growing intersection between digital culture and politics.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has similarly recognised the importance of Gen Z. During the CJP’s Jantar Mantar protest, Dimple Yadav’s interactions with students gained attention on social media. The SP has also sought to engage influencers, with Akhilesh urging senior party leaders to understand the language and culture of reels.
The political playbook, therefore, appears to be changing. The old instruction — learn to address a rally — is increasingly being supplemented by another: learn to make a reel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, has spoken about India’s young population throughout his tenure and has built a significant following among younger audiences. His recent selfie-style Instagram video on examination paper leaks reportedly crossed 303 million views within 24 hours, highlighting the enormous reach political communication can achieve through social media.
The competition for Gen Z is consequently no longer confined to rallies, public meetings or traditional campaign material. Increasingly, it is taking place on smartphone screens.
There is a generational reason for this transformation. Those who grew up in the decades immediately after Independence experienced comparatively greater restrictions and limited access to technology. Generation X witnessed the gradual arrival of personal technology and changing social attitudes. Millennials experienced the expansion of the Internet, mobile phones and digital communication.
Gen Z, broadly those born between 1997 and 2012, has grown up with smartphones, social media, influencers and short-form video. For many young voters, a politician is no longer simply a distant figure on a stage. A leader can appear directly in their social-media feed, speak informally, share a personal moment and return with another message moments later.
That has forced political leaders to rethink how they communicate. Traditional attire and rallies are unlikely to disappear, but they now coexist with selfies, reels and influencer-style engagement.
The message is straightforward: as the voter changes, political communication must change as well. For Gen Z, the politician who refuses to adapt risks something far more immediate than electoral criticism — being left on seen.
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