MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Announce Joint March Over NEET Issue

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray have announced a joint protest march in Mumbai over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process. The two leaders said they would participate in the march on July 26 in support of students protesting against examination-related concerns.

The Thackeray-led parties have described the planned demonstration as an apolitical march and said it will focus on issues affecting students rather than party politics. Raj Thackeray announced that the rally would begin at 10 a.m. from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Udyan and conclude at Siddhivinayak Temple.

Addressing a joint press conference, Raj Thackeray criticised the handling of the NEET controversy and accused the Centre of failing to address concerns raised by students and families. He said those responsible for the situation should be held accountable and questioned why political parties that earlier demanded resignations over similar issues were not seeking the same action now.

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Raj Thackeray appealed to parents to join the protest, stating that the issue was not limited to one examination but was connected to the future of young people. He also said the march would not feature party flags or political symbols in order to maintain its focus on student concerns.

The MNS chief issued a warning against attempts to disrupt the demonstration, saying any effort to create unrest would face a strong response. He urged police officials to maintain peace and ensure that the protest remains orderly while preventing any provocation.

The two Thackerays have extended support to the student-led agitation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, which has been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke. The protest movement has raised concerns over alleged NEET examination irregularities and demanded action from authorities. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have imposed prohibitory orders across the city from July 23 to August 6. The restrictions include limits on large gatherings, processions and the use of loudspeakers as authorities prepare to manage public events and maintain law and order.

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