Shiv Sena (UBT) on Tuesday accused the Central government of protecting incompetent ministers while a nationwide youth agitation gains momentum, characterising the street protests as the early stirrings of a 'revolution'. The charge came through a sharp editorial in the party's mouthpiece, Saamana, as demonstrations spread from New Delhi to Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.

What the Saamana Editorial Said

The editorial pulled no punches, declaring that slogans of 'Modi, quit power' and rejection of what it called 'dictatorship' are now reverberating in the streets. It noted that thousands of young people marched towards Parliament, refusing to disperse even after tear gas and lathi-charges by police — a show of resolve, the party argued, that has rattled the administration.

The piece drew on remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who reportedly referred to unemployed youth as 'cockroaches' — a comment the editorial used as a galvanising metaphor. 'The youth were living in Modi's India believing that this is our destiny and Modi is our God, while in reality, their lives — devoid of jobs, work, home, and dignity — had become like that of cockroaches. However, cockroaches are known to survive even in the harshest conditions. Scientists believe that when the world comes to an end, the cockroach will be among the few living beings left alive. Now, Prime Minister Modi and his government have begun to fear these very cockroaches,' the editorial stated.

Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike as a Rallying Point

The editorial highlighted environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk's 20-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar as a focal point for the broader movement. It alleged that the ruling party's arrogance gave way only after Wangchuk's health deteriorated and he required hospitalisation — framing the government's response as reactive rather than empathetic.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party said the agitation has spread well beyond the national capital, with large-scale demonstrations reported at Mumbai's Shivaji Park under the leadership of Aaditya Thackeray.

Ministers Named in the Critique

The editorial specifically called out several senior cabinet members whom it accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of refusing to hold accountable. The list included Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, targeted over the NEET exam paper-leak controversy; Home Minister Amit Shah, criticised over the law-and-order situation in Manipur and alleged systemic corruption; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, questioned over border issues with China in Ladakh; and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, cited over economic instability and foreign policy concerns respectively.

The Warning to the Government

The editorial concluded with a pointed warning, arguing that youth have shed both fear and blind loyalty. 'While children of Union Ministers study in foreign universities and secure high-paying jobs, they will hold leaders accountable and enter their homes, the Prime Minister's Office, the Home Ministry, the Education Ministry, the Supreme Court, and the Raj Bhavan. They will make life impossible for the ruling class,' it stated.

With the agitation showing no signs of abating and Wangchuk's movement drawing cross-sectional support, the political pressure on the Centre is likely to intensify in the days ahead.