Mohan Bhagwat, addressing an event in Mumbai, said young protesters are not anti-national and described Gen Z as more honest than previous generations. He also weighed in on the recent use of force during demonstrations, questioning why a lathi charge was carried out and why pellet guns were used, and calling for a study of the reasons behind these actions.
Bhagwat expressed strong confidence in the younger generation, saying he would believe them with his eyes shut. He contrasted today's youth with his own generation, noting that when he was their age, he would simply listen to his elders.
His remarks come amid an ongoing row over the use of pellet guns at Jantar Mantar, the protest site in Delhi. The controversy has centered on the authorities' handling of demonstrators. Bhagwat stopped short of condemning the force outright, instead insisting on understanding why it was employed.
At the same time, he defended the young protesters, affirming their honesty and dismissing suggestions that they are anti-national. The statement, made during a public address in Mumbai, adds a prominent voice to the debate over protest handling and police tactics.