Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday, 13 July threw his party's full weight behind the ongoing student agitation over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) controversy, pledging solidarity with protests led by activist Sonam Wangchuk and youth activist Abhijeet Dipke. Speaking from his residence Matoshree in Mumbai, Thackeray called the repeated examination paper leaks a systemic failure that has imperilled the futures of lakhs of students across India.

Key Developments

Thackeray announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) will hold statewide solidarity demonstrations across Maharashtra in support of the student movement, which is organising under the banner of the Chhatra Janandolan Parishad (CJP). The CJP has called for a large-scale march in New Delhi on 20 July, which Thackeray said he is personally considering attending — including a visit to the protest site at Jantar Mantar.

Notably, Thackeray also made a direct personal appeal to Sonam Wangchuk to end his ongoing hunger strike, stating that the country needs him in good health for the long fight ahead.

What Thackeray Said

Addressing reporters, Thackeray framed the NEET crisis as a national rather than partisan issue, urging all political parties to set aside factional differences. He specifically called on Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to join the agitation at the front lines in New Delhi.

Thackeray trained his criticism directly at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government, demanding accountability at the highest levels. He questioned why the government had not sought the resignation of HRD Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the paper leak failures. 'The youth of India are protesting at Jantar Mantar, but no one from the government has met them,' he said. He further alleged that instead of engaging with students, the BJP government was 'busy splitting political parties,' calling it 'shameful.'

Thackeray also urged parents to stand alongside their children in the streets to amplify the demand for justice.

Security Concerns Over July 20 March

Thackeray raised an alert over the upcoming 20 July Delhi mobilisation, alleging that there are active reports of elements planning to infiltrate the march to incite violence and sabotage the demonstration. He did not name specific groups but called on organisers and participants to remain vigilant.

Opposition Consolidation Around Student Grievances

This comes amid a broader opposition effort to capitalise on public anger over the NEET paper leak scandal, which has triggered protests across multiple states. With Thackeray's backing, the CJP's 20 July march is poised to draw significantly larger numbers and heightened political attention.

Following the press conference, youth activist Abhijeet Dipke posted on X (formerly Twitter) expressing gratitude for Thackeray's support, stating he thanked Uddhav Thackeray for backing CJP's protest at Jantar Mantar. As opposition forces continue to coalesce around the student movement, the central government faces mounting pressure to respond ahead of the 20 July deadline.