Bhubaneswar: A political war of words erupted in Odisha over the support of Gen Z voters, with Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das claiming that the country is witnessing a wave of political change and that Congress is emerging as a strong alternative ahead of the 2029 elections. 

The BJP, however, dismissed the claims, asserting that the state's youth continue to back the "double-engine" government and its development agenda.

Addressing the media, Bhakta Charan Das said the country is moving towards change, claiming that people are increasingly rejecting the BJP and looking for a new political alternative.

He credited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's firm political stand and the ongoing Gen Z movement for the changing political mood, alleging that the BJP had failed to fulfil the promises it made to young voters during the 2014 elections.

"The country is now moving towards change. People are rejecting the BJP and embracing a new direction. The Gen Z movement and Rahul Gandhi's strong stand have shown the way forward," Das said.

The OPCC chief further alleged that the Odisha government had lost public confidence within two years of coming to power, accusing it of failing across multiple sectors.

He claimed that the recent bypoll results reflected growing public dissatisfaction and predicted a "major political revolution" in Odisha in the coming years.

According to Das, the Congress sees growing political opportunities ahead of the 2029 elections and believes that Gen Z voters will stand with the party.

Responding to the Congress leader's remarks, BJP MLA Ashok Mohanty accused the Opposition of attempting to mislead the younger generation.

He alleged that anti-national elements were using the name of Gen Z to stage protests and mislead the public, while maintaining that Odisha's youth support development and progress under the BJP-led governments.

"Odisha's Gen Z is progressive and committed to the state's development. The double-engine government has taken several initiatives for youth, including in education, employment and other social sectors. Young people are satisfied with the government's work," Mohanty said.

The BJP legislator also expressed confidence that Gen Z voters would support the BJP-led state government in the upcoming Panchayat elections, citing welfare and development initiatives for farmers, youth and women.

The exchange of statements comes amid increasing political mobilisation in Odisha as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next round of local body elections and the 2029 electoral battle.