India’s urban youth were once considered the backbone of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) political narrative – a demographic lured by promises of job creation, economic reform, and national pride. Yet, the findings from the recent YouGov-Mint-CPR survey highlights how far from reality this is. With 84% of the survey respondents being millennials and post-millennials, it is clear that the government’s policies have failed to deliver on the aspirations of those it claims to champion.
The employment mirage
For a generation raised on the rhetoric of “achhe din“, the survey paints a grim picture of economic reality. And vindicates the repeated data that despite their best attempts, the government has failed to counter, that the unemployment record under the BJP has been catastrophic. Compared to 2022, a significant number of young people now find it harder to secure jobs. While the BJP continues to boast of headline-grabbing infrastructure projects and corporate incentives, urban youth are asking for something far simpler – real opportunities and also the means to realise it.
Seventy percent of respondents favour investment in free healthcare and education for the poor over large-scale infrastructure or big-business growth. This should be a wake-up call. The youth are not interested in the flashy optics of bullet trains while safety of the railway infrastructure suffers. It is a realisation that issues of essential living trump communal politics, and a strong social safety net with quality education and healthcare is what young India wants.
Trust eroded, institutions undermined
While the prime minister may call India the “mother of democracy”, and bow for the cameras in front of the constitution, the survey reveals deep fractures in how young Indians perceive key democratic institutions. While BJP supporters continue to express high levels of trust in the Election Commission and electronic voting machines, skepticism is rampant among others. This divide is symptomatic of a government that has politicised institutions meant to uphold neutrality.
Even more concerning is the eroding faith in the media’s role, a striking 54% of respondents believe the BJP enjoyed disproportionate media coverage during the 2024 elections. When half of the ruling party’s own supporters acknowledge this bias, it speaks volumes about the state of Indian journalism. The survey response validates the unlevel playing field of the elections, despite which the opposition showed a resurgence.
Digital natives, digital victims
The BJP’s rise to power was built, in part, on its mastery of digital platforms with a constant flow of fake news backed by “Whatsapp University”. Social media was heralded as the new town square, where young voices could thrive. But the survey reveals a more troubling reality. Negative interactions online have surged, with 41% of post-millennials reporting hostile encounters – a rise from 34% in the previous round. Minority youth, in particular, face targeted harassment, a problem exacerbated by the government’s reluctance to address digital toxicity. Instead, the focus has been on curbing freedom of expression on digital platforms with new laws like the proposed Digital India Act.
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Notably, there is a growing distrust in platforms like WhatsApp and social media influencers. Youth are turning back to traditional sources of information, with newspapers and television now seen as more reliable. The BJP’s reliance on curated online narratives is failing; young Indians are demanding substance, not spin.
Rahul Gandhi and the rising INDIA bloc
Amid this growing disillusionment, a shift is palpable. More than half of respondents now see Rahul Gandhi as a credible opponent, and the INDIA bloc is gaining traction as a viable alternative. Two-fifths of respondents believe the bloc can effectively challenge the BJP – a notable rise from December 2023. The BJP’s weakening appeal among lower socio-economic groups further underscores this shift. The toxic concoction of populism and polarising rhetoric to consolidate its base, isn’t going down easily for the urban youth.
Delhi University Student Union victory
A testament to the changing tide is the recent elections in the Delhi University Student Union (DUSU). The Congress’ student wing, National Student Union of India (NSUI), emerged triumphant, winning the post of the President and the Joint Secretary. The President’s post was secured after 7 years of dominance by the RSS’ Akhil Bhartiya Vidya Parishad (ABVP). The NSUI campaign focused on progressive issues focused on student welfare as against the communal and bigoted campaign of the ABVP. DUSU elections involve the participation of thousands of students who come to Delhi University from across the country representing several disciplines and socio-economic groups. The tide of Indian politics has often begun with student politics, and this election victory resonates with the survey. The disillusioned and discontented Indian youth sees hope in the Congress and rejects the BJP.
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India’s urban youth are more politically aware and economically anxious than ever before. They have pierced through the charade of propaganda and are asking hard questions of their leaders. Why is job creation still a promise instead of a reality? Why are we still not provided quality health-care and education? Why are institutions being hollowed out instead of strengthened? Why is the government more interested in optics than outcomes?
For the government, these questions should be a cause for reflection. But if the ruling party continues to ignore the aspirations of this generation, it risks alienating this demographic from the government. Urban youth are not looking for hollow slogans. They are looking for leadership that listens, policies that deliver, and a future they can believe in.
Amaan Asim is the national chairperson for the research department of the National Students’ Union of India and is a student at Oxford University.
