RSS Chief Bhagwat backs Gen Z protests: 'Dissent is valid dialogue in democracy'
Synopsis
The RSS chief's open endorsement of student protests — and his declaration that he would 'blindly trust Gen Z' — is a striking departure from the usual establishment posture toward youth-led dissent. Delivered at a 2,000-student forum in Mumbai, Bhagwat's remarks carry weight precisely because of who is saying them, and when.
Key Takeaways
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed over 2,000 students at the IIMUN annual conference in Mumbai on 6 August .
Bhagwat said protesting students are not 'anti-national' and that dissent is a valid form of democratic dialogue.
He declined to comment on the reported use of cane charges and pellet guns against protesters, citing lack of detailed information.
Bhagwat called the demand to allocate 6% of the national budget to education 'reasonable and justified.' He affirmed that the LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of society, while calling for careful legal and societal preparation on same-sex marriage.
Ambedkar to stress that protests must remain within constitutional bounds and must not be used to create social divisions.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday, 6 August defended student protests as a legitimate form of democratic expression, saying that dissent by Gen Z does not make young people 'anti-national.' Speaking at the inauguration of the annual championship conference of India's International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) in Mumbai, Bhagwat addressed more than 2,000 students from Generation Z and Generation Alpha as the organisation marked its 15th anniversary.
Bhagwat's Defence of Student Protests
The RSS chief was unambiguous in his support for youth-led demonstrations. 'If they protest for a cause, how is that wrong? Their grievances ought to be heard. Just because Gen Z engages in a protest does not make them anti-country or anti-national,' he said. Bhagwat drew a direct parallel between protest and dialogue, arguing that unresolved grievances naturally escalate into conflict when channels of communication are closed.
'In a democracy, protesting is not wrong at all. There is nothing inherently wrong with protesting. However, it should not be utilised to create social divisions,' he said. The remarks came against the backdrop of protests in Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak, organised by the Cockroach Janata Party.
On Gen Z's Honesty and Nation-Building
Bhagwat described Gen Z and Gen Alpha as more honest than previous generations, calling that honesty essential for patriotism and nation-building. 'If I were to trust anyone blindly, I would blindly trust Gen Z,' he said. He added that while travelling to Mumbai that morning, he had seen reports suggesting that certain individuals had infiltrated the student movement and been exposed — though he cautioned he could not verify those reports.
Notably, Bhagwat invoked B.R. Ambedkar to underline that while dissent is a Constitutional right, protests must adhere strictly to constitutional guidelines and must never be weaponised to cause social division.
On Police Action Against Protesters
When asked whether the reported use of cane charges and pellet guns against protesting students was justified, Bhagwat declined to offer a direct verdict, citing a lack of detailed information. 'Why did this happen? One needs to look deeper into it. I do not possess the required information regarding this right now,' he said. He added that a decision on accountability must follow a thorough evaluation of where the lapse occurred.
Education Policy and the 6% Budget Demand
Addressing the broader education crisis, Bhagwat called for systemic reform and accessible learning, stating that education is a vital necessity — not a commercial enterprise. He described the demand to allocate 6% of the national budget to education as 'reasonable and justified,' and said that society and the public must share responsibility for sustaining the education system alongside the government.
Remarks on LGBTQ+ Community
In a notable aside, Bhagwat affirmed that the LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of society. He said legal frameworks around same-sex marriage require thoughtful adaptation and societal preparation, rather than abrupt implementation without structural readiness. The remarks signal a continued, if cautious, evolution in the RSS's public posture on the issue. How the organisation's stated positions translate into political influence on related legislation will be closely watched.
Point of View
But for what it signals about the RSS's strategic reading of youth sentiment ahead of a politically charged period. His refusal to condemn the NEET demonstrators — while stopping short of criticising the state's response — threads a careful needle: validating grievance without assigning blame. The 6% education budget demand he backed is a longstanding civil society ask that successive governments, including those the RSS is aligned with, have not met. Whether these remarks translate into any organisational pressure on policy, or remain a one-day headline, is the real question.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mohan Bhagwat say about Gen Z protests?
Bhagwat said that student protests are a valid form of democratic dialogue and that Gen Z demonstrators should not be labelled anti-national. He argued that unresolved grievances naturally lead to protest, and that dissent aimed at system correction is constitutionally protected.
Where did Bhagwat make these remarks?
He spoke at the inauguration of the annual championship conference of India's International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) in Mumbai on 6 August, addressing more than 2,000 students from Gen Z and Gen Alpha as IIMUN marked its 15th anniversary.
Did Bhagwat comment on police action against protesting students?
Bhagwat declined to give a direct verdict on the reported use of cane charges and pellet guns, saying he lacked detailed information. He said accountability must follow a thorough evaluation of where the lapse occurred.
What did Bhagwat say about education funding?
The RSS chief called the demand to allocate 6% of the national budget to education 'reasonable and justified.' He said education is a vital necessity, not a commercial business, and that society must share responsibility for the education system alongside the government.
What did Bhagwat say about the LGBTQ+ community?
Bhagwat affirmed that the LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of society. He said legal frameworks around same-sex marriage require thoughtful adaptation and societal preparation rather than abrupt implementation without structural readiness.
