Archive · 18 Sep 2026
VHP Says Jantar Mantar Protesters Do Not Represent Gen Z
A student group held protests in New Delhi during June and July.
The protesters wanted the Education Minister to resign and made other demands.
The protests ended after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and the government accepted the group’s other demands.
During one march, protesters and security forces clashed.
Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Surendra Jain said the protesters should not be treated as representatives of all Indian young people.
He said India’s Gen Z is also involved in religion, cultural traditions and national service.
Jain cited young people joining the armed forces and attending religious gatherings.
He also supported a Uniform Civil Code and stricter rules on foreign funding.
These views were presented by Jain and the article did not include a response from the student protesters.
VHP leader Surendra Jain said the Cockroach Janta Party-led protesters do not represent India’s Gen Z.
The student-led agitation began at Jantar Mantar on June 20 and ended on July 25.
Protests centered on demands including the resignation of then-Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
During a July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, protesters clashed with security forces using lathis and tear gas.
Jain also backed implementing the Uniform Civil Code and tighter controls on foreign funding.
- Who
- Vishva Hindu Parishad national joint general secretary Surendra Jain commented on protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party.
- What
- Jain rejected the idea that the protesters represented India’s Gen Z and discussed the Uniform Civil Code and foreign-funding rules.
- When
- The agitation ran from June 20 to July 25; Jain’s comments were reported on September 18.
- Where
- The protests began at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, with a later march toward Parliament.
- Why
- The protests sought the resignation of then-Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and fulfillment of other demands; Jain spoke to challenge their portrayal as representative of Indian youth.
- Protest start
- June 20 at Jantar Mantar
- Protest end
- July 25
- Main demand
- The resignation of then-Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
- July 20 march
- A ‘Chalo Sansad’ march toward Parliament ended in clashes with security forces
- VHP position
- Surendra Jain said the protesters do not represent India’s Gen Z
- Additional issue
- Jain supported implementing the Uniform Civil Code before 2029 in BJP- and NDA-ruled states
- Foreign funding
- Jain urged political parties to support stricter provisions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act