Chirag Paswan launches Gen Z outreach to ‘counter’ Rahul Gandhi's campaign

Chirag Paswan’s campaign will kick off with an event in Patna on September 24, 2026. File | Photo Credit: ANI Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan will launch a Gen Z outreach campaign called ‘Youth Bole To’ later this month, with party insiders describing it as an attempt to counter Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ongoing ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ events, in which the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha raises issues pertaining to the youth.Mr. Paswan’s campaign will kick off with an event in Patna on September 24, 2026, his party’s Bihar unit president, Surendra Vivek, announced on Saturday (September 19, 2026).“The grand event, 'Youth Bole To', will be organised at the Veterinary Ground in Patna. At this event, our [party’s] national president Chirag Paswan ji, will engage in direct dialogue with the new generation of Bihar, particularly Gen Z," Mr. Vivek said.He added, “The objective of the campaign is to provide a robust platform for young people to express their views openly. During the event, the youth will be able to interact directly with Chirag Paswan on various topics concerning their future, including education, employment, skill development, entrepreneurship, technology, and the challenges of the digital age.”Party insiders said that through the campaign, Mr. Paswan is trying to make an impact in the 2027 Assembly election in Uttar Pradesh, where his party has already decided to contest all 403 seats. After Patna, the youth outreach campaign heads to U.P., with the next event set to be held in Prayagraj on September 27, followed by other cities in the State. According to the party insiders, Mr. Paswan is looking to project himself as a major leader of the youth.Mr. Vivek said, “Chirag Paswan ji has consistently valued the aspirations and dreams of the youth, as well as their role in a changing India. At a time when the younger generation is playing a pivotal role in the country’s direction and development, the 'Youth Bole To’ event will offer an important opportunity for direct dialogue between the youth and the leadership.”He further said that the youth were not merely the future, but also a vital force in the present, and that it was essential to understand their perspectives, suggestions, and concerns, and to integrate them into the mainstream of policy and development.Mr. Vivek asked all party office-bearers, youth activists, and supporters to ensure the success of the event by securing maximum participation. He emphasised that this event was not just a gathering, but a significant initiative to listen to the youth, understand their aspirations, and establish a meaningful dialogue with them.When The Hindu asked if the LJP (RV) sees Gen Z as its vote bank, Mr. Vivek said. “No, our party does not see the youth as a vote bank. It is our duty and responsibility to take care of all sections of people when we are in politics. Be it students' protests in Patna or Ranchi, our leader always extended his support to their grievances.” Published - September 19, 2026 10:48 pm IST