07 August,2026 12:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday questioned what it described as a growing contradiction between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over the handling of recent youth protests, alleging that while the Centre has cracked down on student demonstrators, the RSS is attempting to project itself as a mediator through outreach initiatives.
In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's reported decision to hold an interaction with members of Generation Z in Mumbai to understand concerns expressed by young people following recent student protests at Jantar Mantar.
The editorial described the RSS outreach initiative as contradictory, alleging that it stood in contrast to the Centre's response to student protests.
According to the Shiv Sena (UBT), while the RSS leadership has sought dialogue with young people, the government has responded to demonstrations through police action against student activists.
The party argued that the two approaches reflected conflicting messages within the Sangh Parivar regarding engagement with youth.
The editorial claimed there was a disconnect between the BJP's political response to the protests and the RSS leadership's outreach efforts.
It alleged that while BJP leaders and affiliated organisations had described protesting students as "anti-national" and members of the "Tukde Tukde Gang", the RSS was simultaneously attempting to present itself as open to dialogue.
According to the party, such contrasting approaches raise questions about the ideological alignment between the BJP and its parent organisation.
The editorial also alleged that student protesters had faced harassment by law enforcement agencies during and after the demonstrations.
It referred to youth leader Riya Ahir, claiming she was targeted by police after attempting to prevent the detention of fellow protesters in Mumbai.
The party further alleged that, despite public statements by Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing support for students, police agencies continued to intimidate protesters and their families.
The Centre has not responded to the specific allegations made in the editorial.
Drawing parallels with the Emergency imposed in 1975, the editorial said the RSS had strongly opposed restrictions on civil liberties and public protests during that period.
It questioned why the organisation had remained silent over what the Shiv Sena (UBT) described as similar concerns being raised by student protesters today.
"Ideally, the RSS should have raised its voice against these trends. Instead, it remained silent while youth took to the streets to denounce authoritarianism. Is this stance deemed appropriate by Mohan Bhagwat?" the editorial said.
The editorial concluded by urging Home Minister Amit Shah to address Parliament over allegations of police excesses during the protests.
It also called for the withdrawal of what it described as false cases against student protesters and urged the government to prioritise dialogue over the use of force.
