PM Modi joins Gen Z for bhajan clubbing in Delhi:Rahul, CJP raise vote concerns, 36.74 crore Gen Z voters in 2029

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined a Gen Z gathering at Deendayal Park in Delhi on Friday evening, attending a Bhajan Clubbing programme organised to mark the 110th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. Modi was seen playing the khanjari and humming along to devotional songs during the event. His participation came a day after the Cockroach Janata Party raised concerns about Gen Z voters allegedly being deprived of their voting rights. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also raised the issue during a press conference on Thursday. Why Gen Z matters to political parties Gen Z and young voters are emerging as an important electoral group ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha election. Government figures cited in the report put the number of people aged 15-29 at around 36.74 crore in 2026, accounting for nearly 26% of India’s population. Election Commission data shows that voters aged 18-29 made up 22.78% of the total electorate during the 2024 Lok Sabha election. With a large young population expected to form part of the electorate in 2029, political parties have been increasing their outreach to younger voters. Modi has spoken about Bhajan Clubbing before Modi had mentioned the Bhajan Clubbing trend during his Australia visit in July. Speaking in Melbourne, he praised the younger generation for connecting Indian traditions and faith with modern lifestyles. He had also spoken positively about the trend during the January 2026 episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. From GRWM to Gen Z slang Modi’s outreach to young audiences has also included social-media formats and Gen Z terminology. He has used the popular “Get Ready With Me” format to showcase Indian handicrafts and traditional clothing. He has also appeared in selfie-style videos and reels designed to create a more informal connection with younger audiences. In his speeches and social media content, Modi has used terms associated with Gen Z, including “flex” and “OG”, and has addressed young people as “friends”. Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote theft’ allegations The Gen Z voting issue has also featured in the ongoing political dispute over the Election Commission and voter lists. Rahul Gandhi held a 55-minute press conference on Thursday on the Election Commission, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and related issues. He alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was involved in “vote theft” and said he had opposed Kumar’s appointment. Asked whether Gen Z voters were facing difficulties in getting their names added to electoral rolls during the SIR exercise, Gandhi alleged that votes had been “stolen”. He further claimed that laws passed by MPs elected through such a process would be illegal and said the “truth” would emerge within six months. What is Bhajan Clubbing? Bhajan Clubbing is an emerging trend, particularly among young people, that combines traditional bhajans and kirtans with the atmosphere and production of modern concerts. The format typically uses contemporary music, lighting and performance styles while retaining devotional songs and a spiritual setting. It has gained attention among young audiences looking for ways to connect with traditional faith and culture through more contemporary formats. ​