Uddhav And Raj Thackeray Announce Joint Protest March Over NEET Row, Demand Education Minister’s Resignation
Uddhav And Raj Thackeray Announce Joint Protest March Over NEET Row, Demand Education Minister’s Resignation
Mumbai, July 23, 2026: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray have announced a joint protest march in Mumbai on July 26 in support of students protesting against the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and recent police action on demonstrators.
The two leaders made the announcement at a joint press conference, expressing solidarity with students staging protests in New Delhi and other parts of the country. They also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding the Centre accountable for the controversy surrounding the examination.
According to the leaders, the march will begin at Shivaji Park in Dadar on Sunday morning and conclude at the Siddhivinayak Temple, where they said prayers would be offered for “wisdom and accountability” in governance.
Raj Thackeray urged students and citizens to participate in the march, describing it as a demonstration of public support for students seeking transparency and accountability in the examination process. He said the Centre should recognise the concerns being raised by students and respond through dialogue rather than confrontation.
The protest is expected to focus on the alleged NEET examination irregularities, the demand for the Union Education Minister’s resignation, and concerns over the handling of student protests by law enforcement agencies.
Leaders and workers from other constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are also expected to participate in the march, according to political sources.
Addressing the media, Raj Thackeray criticised the Central government, alleging that it had failed to engage with aggrieved students despite widespread protests. He said the concerns of students should be addressed through discussion and corrective action, rather than being ignored.
He also drew parallels with previous instances where public protests had prompted demands for political accountability, arguing that those responsible for the NEET controversy should also be held answerable.
Uddhav Thackeray echoed similar sentiments, stating that the march was intended to send a strong message in support of students and to urge the government to take responsibility for restoring confidence in the examination system.
The announcement comes amid continuing nationwide protests over the alleged NEET examination irregularities, with student organisations and opposition parties calling for greater transparency, accountability and reforms in the conduct of national-level entrance examinations.
