‘Youngsters don’t want false promises': Akhilesh Yadav on youth, CJP and recent protests

Gen Z and the younger generation are clear about what they want, Akhilesh Yadav said at HT Leadership Summit, adding that they do not want false promises. The Samajwadi Party has always stood with young people, said party supremo Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday, when asked about his views on the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the protests led by the outfit, one of which led to the resignation of education minister over examination irregularities. SP supremo Akhilesh Yadav at HT Leadership Summit 2026 in New Delhi on Friday, November 14“When these young people saw how the government was playing with their children's futures, they came out and protested. Not just the students, but their parents also joined them. This movement has made people more aware,” Akhilesh Yadav said at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2026.Gen Z and the younger generation are clear about what they want, he said, adding that they do not want false promises. “They want clarity about what is possible and what is not.”“Given the reach of social media and the penetration of the internet in society today, you cannot get away with lying to people. Ultimately, even the Prime Minister had to acknowledge the issue, and a minister had to be removed. That was the biggest achievement of the youth,” Yadav said.He said he was happy to see youth from UP and Bihar turn up in large numbers to the protests.“I am happy that during the protests, young people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar came to Delhi in large numbers and participated. They came on their own. Nobody helped them or made arrangements for their food, water, accommodation…,” Yadav said.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More