13 July,2026 10:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray appealed to Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday announced his support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, urging all political parties to back the movement without displaying their party affiliations, reported the PTI.
Addressing a press conference, Thackeray said the agitation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination was a national issue and deserved broad public support.
Thackeray appealed to Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike, saying his life was more valuable than the government's response, the news agency reported.
He criticised the Centre, claiming it had shown little concern for the activist's deteriorating health.
"Your life is precious. The government appears insensitive and unconcerned about this protest," Thackeray said.
Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its 16th day on Monday, while the CJP protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar completed 24 days.
The former Maharashtra Chief Minister said political parties should support the protest without bringing their own political identities into it, according to the PTI.
He also suggested that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi should join the movement and urged parties across the country to organise demonstrations in support of the protesters.
According to Thackeray, the issue affects students and families across India and should not be viewed through a political lens.
Thackeray announced that the Shiv Sena (UBT) would organise protests in Maharashtra on 20 July, the day the CJP plans to march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament, as per the PTI.
He also said his party's Members of Parliament would raise the issue during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader questioned why the Centre had not yet sent a senior delegation to hold discussions with the protesters despite the prolonged agitation, reported the PTI.
He also said there was nothing wrong with demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that the government should appoint someone more capable if necessary.
Referring to Wangchuk, Thackeray said the country should have recognised and utilised the educator's talent instead of treating him unfairly, as per the PTI.
The Cockroach Janta Party has been protesting at Jantar Mantar since 20 June, alleging irregularities in the NEET examination process.
Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and began an indefinite hunger strike in support of the movement, according to the PTI.
The organisation is demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy.
(with PTI inputs)
