Uddhav Thackeray Backs Student Protest at Jantar Mantar, Calls for Change of Government Over NEET Paper Leak Row

New Delhi, July 2026 : Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) president Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday threw his weight behind students protesting at Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak, declaring that merely replacing one minister would not address the crisis and asserting that the entire government needed to be changed. Addressing a gathering of students and youth activists in the national capital, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister urged them to sustain their movement and keep the pressure on the Centre until their demands were met.

Arriving in New Delhi, Thackeray headed directly from the airport to Jantar Mantar, where he met protesting students and youth leaders, including Abhijit Deepke, founder of the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ initiative. He was accompanied by Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai.

Speaking from the protest stage, Thackeray said the agitation had only just begun and should evolve into a nationwide movement.

“There are still two years before the next general elections. You have enough time to continue this struggle. This is only the beginning. Replacing one individual is not enough; the entire government has to change. Until there is a change of government, there will be no real change in your lives. Remain steadfast in Delhi and ensure that the fire of this movement continues to spread across the country,” he told the gathering.

Describing the students as the future of India, Thackeray said he had come to salute the courage of the youth who had taken to the streets in pursuit of justice.

“I have come here to bow before the power of the youth. This spark should never be extinguished,” he said, adding that the aspirations of young people could not be suppressed through force.

During his address, Thackeray took a swipe at those who had allegedly referred to the protesting students as “cockroaches,” saying the remark had deeply insulted the nation’s youth.

“I would like to thank the ‘distinguished’ person who used that word. This country was not built by cockroaches. It was built by generations of people who sacrificed everything for the nation,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.

Without naming anyone directly, he also criticised what he described as the government’s handling of peaceful protests, alleging that students had been subjected to unnecessary force.

“For the first time since Independence, we are witnessing a government using batons against its own future. These young people are not merely students; they are the future of India,” he remarked.

Drawing parallels with India’s freedom movement, Thackeray said young freedom fighters had once been branded as troublemakers by colonial rulers, but history had ultimately honoured their sacrifices.

“If the youth had not made sacrifices during the freedom struggle, we would not have achieved Independence. The British labelled them terrorists. Today, those who are raising their voices for justice are also being branded and targeted. It makes one wonder who truly stands for the country,” he said.

Referring to the police action against students during recent demonstrations in Delhi, Thackeray alleged that excessive force had been used against peaceful protesters.

“You were beaten mercilessly. Some people carrying sticks attacked students. Photographs of those involved have gone viral. Continue documenting everything. Let the country know what happened,” he said.

He encouraged students to use social media and digital platforms responsibly to document events and ensure that their voices reached people across the country.

“It is a good thing that all of you have mobile phones. Record everything. Tomorrow, many among you will occupy positions of responsibility and leadership. Those sitting in power today should remember that the future leadership of the country is standing before them,” he said.

Thackeray also praised Abhijit Deepke for leading the movement, saying his decision to return to India despite having a comfortable life abroad reflected his commitment to the country’s youth.

“Abhijit deserves appreciation. He was settled in the United States and had no personal need to return. But he came back because he could not remain silent while students in his country were facing injustice,” Thackeray said.

He further urged the gathering to remember students who had allegedly lost their lives in connection with the NEET controversy and called for accountability.

“In an independent India, students are being pushed to despair because of repeated examination irregularities. Their sacrifices should never be forgotten. Keep the spirit of ‘Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani’ alive in your hearts and remember every student whose dreams were shattered,” he said.

Expressing solidarity on behalf of Maharashtra, Thackeray assured the protesters that they would continue to receive support from his party.

“Maharashtra stands firmly with you. I am proud that a young man from Maharashtra is leading this movement. I have come not only to encourage you but also to draw inspiration from your courage. The barriers that divided people are breaking down. Today, the country shares one emotion and one resolve. We will stand with you until the very end and fight this battle together,” he declared.

Later, while interacting with the media, Thackeray strongly criticised the police action against the students, saying he had not expected such a response from the government.

“These young people represent the future of the nation. They are the ones who will shape India tomorrow. The manner in which they were treated has deeply disturbed me,” he said.

Thackeray recalled that he had extended support to the student movement even before visiting Delhi by organising a solidarity rally in Mumbai in favour of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, student leader Abhijit Deepke and the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ initiative. He indicated that his party would continue to raise the issue at both the political and public levels.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief is also expected to address a detailed press conference in New Delhi, where he will outline his party’s future strategy on the issue and its continued support for the nationwide student movement demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak.