BJP leaders uneasy as Modi orders campus outreach push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed Union ministers to visit schools and universities to defuse public anger and connect with younger voters. The instruction follows protests over paper leaks and the NEET exam controversy. A section of BJP leaders now fears this outreach could alienate the party's core supporters and encourage more groups to press demands through street protests.

A party functionary, speaking anonymously, said there is concern that the government's move may set the stage for more pressure groups to take to the streets. Police recently used force at Jantar Mantar to disperse a crowd demanding the end of reservation. Another party leader noted that UGC guidelines earlier triggered protests among students aligned with the BJP, and those students were made to stand down, leaving the core constituency feeling slighted.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has described the grievances of Generation Z as genuine and said he would "trust them blindly." The Sangh backs dialogue with students but cautions against vested interests, a second BJP leader said. The CJP group, which has been inspecting government schools to highlight poor infrastructure, is seen by the party worker as politicising the issue.