Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi on Friday took a sharp swipe at Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), over his remarks made on Thursday backing Gen-Z. The former asserted that India’s youth do not need his endorsement or validation.

Addressing reporters in the Parliament House complex, Gandhi reacted to Bhagwat’s comments by saying, “They don’t need a certificate from Mohan Bhagwat Ji.” Her remarks came a day after the RSS Chief termed the concerns of the younger generation ‘genuine’ and underlined that young protestors should not be branded ‘anti-national,’ merely for expressing dissent.

Priyanka Gandhi (Left) and Mohan Bhagwat (Right)

Gandhi demands Amit Shah’s response on student protest allegations

The Congress leader then demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement in Parliament regarding the alleged police excesses against students protesting over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak on July 20.

She accused the Home Minister of avoiding accountability, alleging that Shah was ‘afraid’ to address both Houses of Parliament. She remarked, “He should come and give a statement. What is the issue with that? Something wrong happened, so take responsibility," insisting that the government must answer questions over the handling of the student demonstrations.

Notably, the Opposition has repeatedly sought a discussion on the alleged use of force against the protesting students, elevating it as a key issue during the ongoing Parliamentary session.

Bhagwat defends youth protests, calls for dialogue

Addressing close to 2,000 members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha at the 15th anniversary event of India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) on Thursday, Bhagwant voiced support for youngsters raising concerns over national issues.

He said protests were a legitimate means of democratic dialogue and consensus-building, emphasising that disagreement should not be placed on par with disloyalty to the nation.

He said, “Protest is also a way of dialogue. In a democracy, protest is a way of building consensus. Different views come together and a consensus evolves after discussion."

Continuing his statements, he asserted that youth taking to the streets should not be labelled ‘anti-national.’

RSS Chief reiterates stand on reservation

During his address, Bhagwat also reiterated the RSS’s position on reservation in education and public employment, saying that affirmative action had been rolled out to address historical social discrimination and should continue for as long as inequality persists.

He referred to Dr BR Ambedkar’s vision, saying reservation would remain necessary until social discrimination was eliminated.