21 July,2026 09:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
MNS chief Raj Thackeray accused those in power of suppressing democratic protests instead of addressing students` concerns. File Pic
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday criticised the Centre over the police action against protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Sansad Chalo' march in New Delhi, as Mumbai witnessed a second consecutive day of demonstrations in support of the student-led movement.
Thousands of protesters had gathered in Delhi on Monday demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination irregularities. The march ended in clashes after police stopped protesters from moving towards Parliament.
In a post on X, Raj Thackeray questioned why the government was protecting the education minister despite growing public anger.
He said the police crackdown on peaceful protesters suggested that the government itself had become "mentally unstable" and accused those in power of suppressing democratic protests instead of addressing students' concerns.
Thackeray also referred to the handling of the Manipur violence, alleging that the Centre had similarly protected political leaders despite public criticism.
According to him, the protests reflected wider public dissatisfaction over issues including education, inflation, environmental concerns and economic policies, rather than being limited to the NEET controversy.
The MNS leaders and party workers joined a protest at Shivaji Park in Dadar.
The party workers and supporters gathered in solidarity with the CJP movement.
Raj Thackeray's wife, Sharmila Thackeray, also joined the demonstration.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) workers staged a separate protest in Mumbai's Dongri area condemning the police action in Delhi and demanding accountability over the alleged examination irregularities, reported the PTI.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray claimed around 100 students and activists had been detained in Mumbai in connection with the protests.
He announced that the party would provide free legal assistance to students and activists facing FIRs or police notices over their participation in demonstrations.
Thackeray also claimed that similar protests had taken place in countries including the United Kingdom and the Netherlands without facing the kind of police action seen in India.
The protests began after the Cockroach Janta Party launched a nationwide campaign demanding accountability over alleged examination paper leaks and broader reforms in the education system.
The protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The agitation intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike, with demonstrations now taking place in several cities across the country.
(with PTI inputs)
