Kangana makes U-turn, now says ‘Gutter Generation’ is ‘India’s Biggest Strength’

Just a week after calling sections of Gen Z a “gutter generation,” BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut has made a dramatic pivot, now describing India’s youngest voters as the country’s “biggest strength.” The shift is striking, not only because of its speed, but because it appears to reflect the political realities confronting both Ranaut and her party.

Kangana’s volte face

Addressing reporters outside Parliament on Friday, Ranaut argued that an entire generation should not be judged by the actions of a handful of unruly protesters. She credited Gen Z with helping keep the BJP in power, saying the government’s repeated electoral success has come with the backing of young voters. She also pointed to peaceful student protests in Jharkhand and praised young Indian athletes for dedicating their victories to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the nation.

The comments stand in sharp contrast to her recent social media posts, where she had lambasted young protesters, particularly women participating in demonstrations organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). At the time, she described them as a “generation gutter” and even defended police action against unruly demonstrators, remarking that those who speak aggressively should also be prepared to hear harsh responses.

Why the U-turn?

The answer is likely as much political as it is rhetorical.

Gen Z has become one of the most influential voting blocs in India. Tens of millions of first-time and young voters are expected to shape electoral outcomes over the coming years, making them too significant for any political party to alienate. While criticising violent protests may resonate with a section of the electorate, broad-brush attacks on an entire generation risk creating unnecessary political backlash.

Ranaut’s latest remarks appear to draw a careful distinction between disruptive protesters and the wider Gen Z population. Instead of painting young Indians with one brush, she has shifted the conversation toward responsible youth participation in democracy, while simultaneously crediting them for the BJP’s electoral mandate.

The change also aligns with the BJP’s broader messaging. The party has consistently projected itself as aspirational, technology-friendly and youth-focused, highlighting entrepreneurship, digital innovation, startups and sports achievements. Casting Gen Z as a national asset fits more comfortably within that narrative than branding them with sweeping criticism.

Whether Ranaut’s latest comments will end the controversy remains to be seen. Critics are likely to question the consistency of her position, while supporters may argue she was always targeting only disruptive elements. Either way, the episode underscores how quickly political messaging can evolve when it intersects with the country’s largest and increasingly decisive demographic.