Gen Z's growing influence: How youth are reshaping Indian politics and electoral campaigns

“A crowd without control achieves nothing. Even if one crore people gather, it serves no purpose if there is no discipline,” said Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin at Malappambadi as he declared that his party DMK will give more tickets to youth in 2026 assembly elections. “Speak any language, wear any clothes, eat any food. It’s all cool as long as we respect each other’s culture. Come, build in Andhra Pradesh,” said Andhra Pradesh IT minister Nara Lokesh in a speech in the state assembly that went viral in July at a time when Maharashtra was contending with the harassment of non-Marathi speakers. The speech struck a chord with the youth—many termed Lokesh as the “coolest politician” on social media posts.Read More: This Gen sets eyes on a green futureSix months after its rout in Delhi assembly elections in February, AAP relaunched its students wing, renaming it Association of Students for Alternative Policies (ASAP). The above are just a few examples of the growing importance of Gen Z in politics as parties keep them in mind while crafting electoral campaigns and policies.In 2025, Gen Z reshaped not just political conversation but political power dynamics worldwide. What began as digitally choreographed activism in countries like Nepal has matured into tangible influence over governments and public policy debates. In Punjab, which holds elections in 2027, the incumbent AAP government has zoomed in on the drug menace, which is directly affecting the youth. In neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, which will also go to the hustings in 2027, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has launched a special drive against ‘chitta’ (synthetic drugs). Parties are increasingly tapping into issues that animate the young to get them involved in politics.Read More: Is AI boom overhyped, unreliable? Zoomers question hype bubble In January 2023, Lokesh embarked on a year-long Yuva Gallam padyatra that moulded the TDP’s Super Six electoral promises, with employment at their heart. “I see jobs, infrastructure and technology as the major areas that youth are interested in. They aren’t very clued into poli tics in general and engage only when the issue directly concerns them. I’ve made efforts to reach out through various social media handles, speaking in a manner that appeals to them,” says Lokesh.As 2026 dawns, the political establishment is grappling with a generation determined not to be passive observers but architects of change.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onGen Z in politicsYouth engagement in electionsIndia assembly elections 2026political campaigns for youthNara Lokesh Andhra PradeshUdhayanidhi Stalin DMKdigital activism influencedrug menace Punjabpolitical power dynamics 20252026 Through The GenZ Lens(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onGen Z in politicsYouth engagement in electionsIndia assembly elections 2026political campaigns for youthNara Lokesh Andhra PradeshUdhayanidhi Stalin DMKdigital activism influencedrug menace Punjabpolitical power dynamics 20252026 Through The GenZ Lens