Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray held a joint press conference in Mumbai on Saturday, 26 July, hours after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation amid a nationwide student agitation over the NEET exam paper leak controversy. Both leaders confirmed that the Tiranga March scheduled for Sunday will proceed as planned, now reframed as a celebration of the student-led movement's success.

Tiranga March to Proceed as Celebration

Raj Thackeray confirmed that the march will proceed from Shivaji Park to the Siddhivinayak Temple, with no changes to the route or schedule. Protesters and supporters are expected to gather at Shivaji Park and march together toward the temple. 'Rather than a protest, the rally will now serve to congratulate Gen Z and the nation's youth for their successful movement,' he said.

Uddhav Thackeray's Remarks on the Resignation

Uddhav Thackeray framed Pradhan's resignation as far more than a political scalp, calling it 'a broader victory against state high-handedness.' He extended congratulations to youth leader and Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke, young protesters, and their parents. 'This issue was never limited to just one resignation,' he said.

Deploying the 'cockroach' metaphor — a reference to the label reportedly used by authorities against protesters — Uddhav Thackeray said, 'A single cockroach has forced the dictator to bow down. Those who called these young people cockroaches must realise that holding power should not go to their heads. This is just a glimpse of what the collective power of the nation's youth can achieve.'

He further argued that the movement had dismantled what he described as a decade-long atmosphere of fear. 'The youth have pulled this country out of a shadow of fear. For the past 12 years, the government has subjected citizens to constant pressure — be it Demonetisation or other policies. The ruling authorities acted as if citizens no longer mattered, treating people like cockroaches. This movement delivered a fitting reply and rebuke to that arrogance,' he added.

Criticism of Police Action Against Protesters

Uddhav Thackeray sharply criticised the administration's handling of student demonstrators, demanding accountability from the Ministry of Home Affairs. 'This movement exposed a brutal and criminal face of the ruling party to the entire world. The way police cane-charged youth and used force against female protesters is condemnable,' he said.

He raised pointed questions about the crackdown: 'Who will file charges against these police officers? Who sent thugs in plain clothes into the protest? Will there be an investigation and action against them?' He also called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to clarify whether cases registered against student protesters would be withdrawn.

Aaditya Thackeray's Demands Post-Resignation

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray posted on X confirming the Sunday gathering at Shivaji Park from 10 am onwards and calling on supporters to attend. In a separate post following Pradhan's resignation, he outlined three demands: an apology from the government for the cane charge on young protesters; an inquiry into who ordered the action; and the withdrawal of all FIRs filed against those who participated in the demonstrations. 'This is the power of India,' he wrote.

What Comes Next

The Tiranga March on Sunday is now positioned as a dual-purpose event — a celebration of the student movement's outcome and a platform to press for accountability over the police crackdown. With opposition parties and youth groups converging on Shivaji Park, the march is expected to keep political pressure on the Centre even after the ministerial resignation.