The Politics of a New Generation: Gen Z and the Restructuring of India's Democratic Order

Change is an undeniable fact of the world; it is constantly evolving. India’s democratic landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. At the heart of this transformation is a generation of young adults known as Generation Z, or Gen Z. This generation is becoming an increasingly influential social and political force in the era of digitalisation. As India marks its centenary year of independence and moves towards nation-building by 2047, the need to reassess and reshape the country’s socio-economic and political structures, governance rights and participatory processes has become imperative. Gen Z challenges traditional governance systems and is characterised by a strong preference for technological fluency, social awareness, transparency and accountability. The political behaviour of this generation reflects the shift from identity-based to issue-based politics. A robust democracy has always been strongly correlated with youth political participation. This new generation, raised in the era of digitalisation, smartphones and social media, is thinking differently, looking towards the future rather than traditional party loyalties. This study explores the values and expectations of Gen Z and how they can leverage digitalisation to shape India’s political future. It also shows that political reconfiguration is not only possible but increasingly inevitable. Ultimately, understanding their perspectives through this research paper will be crucial for building a democratic India that is inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.