Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Monday, 27 July launched a sharp broadside against the BJP-led NDA government, declaring in its mouthpiece 'Saamana' that the Centre had become a 'laughing stock' during the 35-day agitation by student and youth leaders at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. The editorial argued that the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was only the opening casualty of a political reckoning that is far from over.

The NEET Protests and Political Fallout

The Saamana editorial contended that the sustained demonstrations against the NEET exam paper leak delivered the Central government a 'full-time reality check', severely denting the narrative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political invincibility. According to the party, widespread youth anger made Pradhan the 'first political casualty' of the controversy.

The Thackeray faction noted that the government initially resisted pressure to act — citing reports that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had publicly stated that resignations were not part of the NDA's working style — before escalating public outrage ultimately forced the administration's hand.

Rejecting Pradhan's Stated Reason for Resignation

The editorial firmly dismissed Pradhan's official explanation for stepping down, in which he cited a desire to preserve national unity and prevent 'anti-national forces' from exploiting the protests. Saamana asked pointedly: 'Which anti-national forces did he see at Jantar Mantar or in protests across the country?'

'Labelling student leaders and climate activists as anti-national is an insult to the genuine outrage felt across the nation. Pradhan's resignation has no connection to national unity — the country was united by the sacrifice of 20 young lives lost due to the NEET paper leak,' the editorial stated.

Key Figures Behind the Movement

The party highlighted several individuals who lent momentum to the 35-day movement. These included Abhijeet Dipke, a US-returnee who founded the 'Cockroach Janata Party' to mobilise against paper leaks; climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who went on a hunger strike; and student leader Neha Bora.

Notably, the editorial pointed to a contradiction in the government's stance: while the BJP reportedly attempted to brand Wangchuk as a foreign agent, its own ministers were seen visiting him to appeal for an end to his fast.

Accountability Demanded from Modi and Shah

The Saamana editorial asserted that political accountability cannot end with Pradhan's exit alone. It held Home Minister Amit Shah directly responsible for ordering police lathi charges on student demonstrators and demanded a formal apology from Prime Minister Modi.

The Thackeray camp also dismissed the government's newly introduced anti-paper leak legislation — which mandates up to 10 years in prison and a fine of ₹10 crore — as a 'gimmick'. The editorial alleged the bill was rehashed old legislation with revised penalty figures, designed to mislead students and parents rather than address systemic failures.

Warning of Growing Discontent

The Shiv Sena (UBT) editorial credited the digital creativity and spontaneous organising of protesting youth with effectively neutralising the BJP's digital outreach and IT Cell during the month-long agitation. The party warned that unless the administration addresses the root causes of student discontent and administrative failures, the 'blaze of discontent' will continue to spread across the country.