In what is being seen as a subtle political message amid the ongoing debate over the role of Cockroach Janata Party-led Gen Z recent protests against the Union government, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that the younger generation represents "Gen Hope" rather than being defined by political labels.
GUWAHATI — In what is being seen as a subtle political message amid the ongoing debate over the role of Cockroach Janata Party-led Gen Z recent protests against the Union government, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that the younger generation represents "Gen Hope" rather than being defined by political labels.
The Chief Minister made the remarks after visiting flood-affected families staying in relief camps, where he interacted with children displaced by the recent floods.
Sharing photographs from the visit on X, CM Sarma wrote, "They may be called Gen Z or Gen Alpha. To me, they are Gen Hope. Their laughter, innocence and optimism in the midst of these devastating floods remind us that hope is always stronger than hardship."
Though the Chief Minister did not directly refer to any political development, his remarks come against the backdrop of recent protests by the CJP in Jantar Mantar in the national capital that forced Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign and during the protest, sections of students and young people were described as "Gen Z" by political commentators and leaders. The post is widely being viewed as an attempt by CM Sarma to shift the narrative surrounding the youth, portraying them as symbols of resilience and optimism rather than political confrontation.
During his visit, the Chief Minister interacted with children and families taking shelter in relief camps, reviewed relief arrangements and assured those affected that the state government would continue extending all possible support until normalcy is restored.
Assam has been reeling under successive waves of floods triggered by heavy rainfall across the state and neighbouring regions.
Thousands of people remain displaced in multiple districts, with the government continuing relief and rehabilitation efforts through camps, distribution of essential supplies and restoration of damaged infrastructure.
CM Sarma has been making regular visits to flood-hit areas over the past few days to assess the situation on the ground.
He has maintained that the state administration is working on both immediate relief measures and long-term rehabilitation for affected families while ensuring that children and vulnerable groups receive special attention.