Uddhav, Raj Thackeray Unite Over NEET Row, Announce July 26 Mumbai March Against Centre

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Thursday launched a joint attack on the BJP-led NDA government over the alleged NEET examination paper leak and the police action against protesting students in Delhi, while announcing a large public march in Mumbai on July 26.

Addressing a joint press conference, the estranged cousins said they would lead a non-partisan protest from Shivaji Park (Shivtirtha) to the Siddhivinayak Temple on Sunday. They appealed to students, parents, Opposition leaders and citizens concerned about the future of young people to join the march, stressing that participants should carry only the Indian National Flag and no political party flags.

Joint protest planned in Mumbai

The announcement marks a rare show of unity between the Thackeray cousins on an issue they described as one of national concern rather than party politics.

Both leaders said the rally would focus on alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, the treatment of student protesters and the demand for accountability from the Centre.

They maintained that the march would remain peaceful and open to all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

Raj Thackeray demands accountability

Raj Thackeray said responsibility for the controversy had moved beyond Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and now rested with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Drawing comparisons with the resignation of former Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. Patil after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Raj argued that accountability should begin at the highest level.

He also criticised the Centre for refusing to engage with protesters, citing the farmers' agitation, the Manipur violence and protests in Ladakh as examples where dialogue was delayed or absent.

"Farmers were dying earlier; now students will be forced to commit suicide. What kind of arrogance of power is this that the administration refuses to listen to anyone?" Raj Thackeray said.

He claimed that timely discussions with students over the alleged NEET paper leak could have prevented protests, including educator Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike and demonstrations by the Cockroach Janata Party.

Raj also warned against any attempt to disrupt the Mumbai march, saying supporters would respond firmly if outsiders tried to create trouble similar to incidents alleged during protests in New Delhi.

Uddhav criticises police action, judiciary

Uddhav Thackeray condemned the police action against student protesters in Delhi, alleging that young women were assaulted with batons fitted with nails and that their clothes were torn during the crackdown.

He questioned how people dressed in civilian clothes were allegedly allowed to use police batons against demonstrators.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also expressed disappointment with the judiciary, claiming that courts appeared to prioritise less significant matters while students facing state action were still awaiting timely relief.

Describing the current administration as "merciless", Uddhav urged political parties and citizens to stand together in support of students.

Appeal for broad public participation

The two leaders said Sunday's march would rise above party lines and represent a collective stand for students and the education system.

They invited students, parents, members of the Opposition, including leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), and concerned citizens to participate, reiterating that the national flag would be the only banner carried during the protest.