Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday stated that some external forces are attempting to mislead the state’s Gen Z and young population in the digital age.
Addressing a gathering in Bhubaneswar during the launch of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign on the occasion of August Kranti Diwas, Majhi said social media misuse, drug abuse and the activities of “invisible enemies” were affecting the younger generation.
He appealed to Gen Z and the youth not to fall prey to such influences and urged them to give priority to patriotism and work towards nation-building.
“Gen Z is not our enemy. They are our best friends,” Majhi said, adding that the youth would play a leading role in building a developed India.
The Chief Minister said some people could be influenced by foreign forces, but such influence would be temporary. Referring to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, he said the inspiration provided by national heroes would always be stronger than the influence of foreign forces.
Majhi called upon the younger generation to work with a sense of patriotism and contribute towards making India a global leader.
Reacting to the Chief Minister’s remarks, BJD MLA Sarada Jena said the recent Gen Z protests were a response to government failures and should not be portrayed as being driven by external forces.
Jena alleged that those who speak about problems in the country are often branded as “anti-national” or accused of working at the behest of external forces.
“The Gen Z have protested against the failures of the government and the system. Saying that they are being motivated by external forces is unrealistic,” Jena said.