Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray strongly defended India’s younger generation on Wednesday, drawing a historical comparison between Generation Z and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Referring to recent remarks targeting young protesters as “cockroaches,” Thackeray said history has repeatedly shown that great leaders were also mocked before earning recognition.
Speaking at a book launch event in Mumbai, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister said today’s youth should be encouraged rather than ridiculed, highlighting the contributions of young people throughout history.
Compares Gen Z With Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Thackeray said the age group now identified as Gen Z represents the same youthful spirit that shaped some of India’s greatest historical figures.”Those who were insulted as ‘cockroaches’ belong to what we now call Gen Z, roughly from the ages of thirteen or fourteen to twenty-seven or twenty-eight. Wasn’t Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj just about that age when he captured Torna Fort at seventeen? Even Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was called a ‘chuha’ by the Mughals. Wasn’t Sant Dnyaneshwar also very young when he wrote the Dnyaneshwari? Both faced tremendous opposition in their own time,” Thackeray said.
He argued that age should never become the basis for dismissing the ideas or contributions of young people.
Credits Youth for Raising Their Voice
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief praised young citizens who participated in nationwide demonstrations over the alleged NEET paper leak, saying they had rekindled democratic participation. “At a time when many believed democracy had lost its spirit, it was the country’s young people who revived it through their protests.”
According to Thackeray, the younger generation deserves recognition for raising issues affecting students rather than being subjected to insults.
Political Debate Adopts Gen Z Language
Thackeray’s remarks come as references to Gen Z culture and internet slang increasingly find their way into political speeches during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties have recently used popular online expressions while addressing issues ranging from education reforms to governance, reflecting an effort to connect with younger audiences.
Questions Delimitation, Calls for More Jobs
Shifting focus to national politics, Thackeray criticised the proposed delimitation exercise and urged the government to prioritise employment generation over increasing the number of Members of Parliament. “Instead of increasing the number of MPs, increase employment opportunities.”
He questioned how a larger Lok Sabha would function effectively if the current House already struggles to provide adequate time for debate.
Targets BJP Over Governance
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also criticised the BJP, accusing it of following a “use and throw” approach in politics while referring to recent controversies surrounding the Ram Temple donation issue.
His remarks add to the ongoing political exchanges over youth, governance and parliamentary reforms, themes that have dominated discussions during the current Monsoon Session.
