13 July,2026 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Anushree Gaikwad
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray during the press conference on Monday. Pic/ X
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday extended his support to the ongoing CJP protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, calling it a "genuine movement for students" and urging all political parties to come together in support of the protesters.
Addressing a press conference, Thackeray said he would personally join the protest in the national capital if required and appealed to all political parties, including the Congress and even the BJP, to participate in the July 20 demonstration.
Slamming the BJP, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said the focus of the ruling party, was on "breaking political parties" instead of addressing issues affecting the country's future.
"The ruling party's main focus is breaking parties, but they are not looking at the country's future. I have called this press conference to speak about the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar," Thackeray said.
He also praised activist Sonam Wangchuk for supporting students and their future, claiming that the activist had been on a hunger strike for 16 days.
"We need people like Sonam Wangchuk in this country who work for the welfare of the nation," Thackeray said.
Thackeray said the protest was not linked to any political agenda and urged authorities to listen to the demands raised by students.
"This is not party propaganda or party promotion. The government should at least look into what Sonam Wangchuk and the CJP protesters are demanding," he stated.
Thackeray also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that lakhs of students had suffered because of the NEET paper leak issue.
"Demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is not wrong. Lakhs of students have lost their future, and students and parents are going through a difficult time. The government is not paying attention to this matter," Thackeray said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said he would personally join the protest in New Delhi.
"If I feel it is needed, I will go and join the protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. This is not a party issue; this is a genuine protest for students and their future," he said.
Thackeray also appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, saying the country needed his contribution.
"I personally requested Sonam Wangchuk to leave the hunger strike. I still request him to end the protest because the country needs him," said Thackeray.
"I am grateful to Uddhav Thackeray for extending his support to the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar," Abhijeet Dipke said in a post on X.
