07 August,2026 06:09 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray. File Pic
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Friday said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat was late in reaching out to members of Gen Z.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Raj Thackeray also criticised the ruling BJP over the recent NEET paper leak protests, claiming they reflected growing anger among the country's youth.
"The protest at Jantar Mantar reached every household, and it is just the beginning," he said, reported PTI.
The MNS chief's comments came a day after Bhagwat interacted with members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in Mumbai, where he said their grievances were genuine and that protests by young people should not be viewed as anti-national.
The interaction is being seen as the RSS' most significant outreach to Gen Z (born roughly between 1997 and 2012) and Gen Alpha (2013-2025) since the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protests over the NEET paper leak culminated in Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation last month.
Replying to a question on Bhagwat's interaction, Raj Thackeray said, "It happened late."
The MNS chief alleged that the protests over the NEET paper leak were the result of internal conflict within the BJP.
"Whenever one finishes opponents, enemies are created within the organisation," he said, the news agency reported.
Thackeray further alleged that the paper leaks originated from coaching classes and urged the government to investigate the matter thoroughly.
He claimed that even while the NEET protests were underway, two more examination papers were leaked.
The government should involve experts to improve the education system and strengthen the conduct of examinations, he said.
"What will people do when the government ignores genuine demands?" Thackeray asked, reported PTI.
Thackeray also criticised the Maharashtra government over the ongoing infrastructure work in Nashik ahead of the Kumbh Mela.
He alleged that roads across the city had been dug up, resulting in potholes and fatal accidents, while the administration remained unconcerned.
"The administration is only bothered about the commission from infrastructure work. All contractors involved in the infrastructure work for the Kumbh Mela are from Gujarat," Thackeray alleged.
(With PTI inputs)
