Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Sunday alleged that the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Gen-Z movement has been “hijacked” by various political parties, claiming that an initiative that began around youth and student issues has become increasingly political.
In a post on X, Mayawati said there were several examples across the country where youth movements had become associated with political interests. She claimed that the CJP Gen-Z movement, which had raised concerns involving young people, unemployed individuals and students, was now facing doubts over its independence.
Mayawati said the aspirations and dreams presented to young people during the Jantar Mantar movement had become caught up in political controversies. However, she maintained that the BSP continued to support the genuine demands and concerns of Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha.
She directed BSP state units to meet officials in their respective states and regions and work towards resolving youth-related issues through peaceful means.
At the same time, Mayawati said BSP members should not participate in sit-ins, protests or movements. Instead, she asked party workers to preserve their resources and energy for upcoming elections.
She said the BSP’s objective would be to form its own government based on the principle of “sarvajan hitaya va sarvajan sukhaya” and claimed that this would provide a lasting solution to the problems faced by young people and wider sections of society.
Mayawati also referred to the alleged assault on Sanjay Azad during the Gen-Z Jantar Mantar movement. She said timely and appropriate police action could have prevented the incident and demanded the strictest possible legal action against those accused.
Azad, 38, had reportedly accompanied his 14-year-old daughter to the protest on June 23. According to the report, he suffered serious head injuries after being allegedly attacked by Swatantra Bhardwaj, 21, and others.
An FIR was registered at Parliament Street police station on the same day under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 115(2) and 126(2). Bhardwaj has since been arrested.
Mayawati said the BSP would not remain silent if appropriate legal action was not taken in the matter.
Her comments come amid continuing debate over the direction of the CJP Gen-Z movement and the role of political parties in youth-led campaigns. The BSP has sought to distance itself from direct street protests while asking its state units to engage with government officials to address youth concerns through peaceful and institutional channels.
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