13 July,2026 11:45 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) has launched a sharp attack on the Centre over its handling of education-related issues and its response to activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike. In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the party demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging failures in addressing the NEET-UG examination controversy and accusing the government of ignoring Wangchuk's deteriorating health.
The editorial also appealed to opposition parties and young people across the country to support Wangchuk's protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where he has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the past 15 days.
The editorial expressed concern over Wangchuk's physical condition and criticised the Centre for not engaging with him despite his prolonged protest.
"His body is emaciated, his breathing is laboured, and his voice has grown faint. Yet, PM Modi continues to shield his inactive, incompetent Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. Sonam Wangchuk's life must be protected at all costs."
The Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed that Wangchuk's agitation is aimed at safeguarding the interests of students and questioned why the Prime Minister had not initiated a dialogue with the activist.
The editorial also criticised the Prime Minister for undertaking overseas visits while, according to the party, failing to address concerns raised by the hunger strike.
The editorial linked Wangchuk's protest to the controversy surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), alleging that repeated question paper leaks and examination-related irregularities had adversely affected the future of medical aspirants.
It alleged that competitive examinations had been reduced to a "horse-trading market" where question papers were illegally sold for large sums of money. The editorial further claimed that investigations into paper leak cases had exposed links between the accused and the "BJP family", though it did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
The party also criticised the reported proposal to involve the armed forces in securing examination papers, arguing that institutional reforms were needed instead.
The editorial held Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan responsible for what it described as shortcomings in the higher education system.
According to the Shiv Sena (UBT), Pradhan's appointments of vice-chancellors had weakened India's higher education institutions.
"Dharmendra Pradhan is no titan of education. He completely lacks the visionary leadership of his illustrious predecessors like Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, P.V. Narasimha Rao, or Arjun Singh," the editorial stated.
The party reiterated its demand that Pradhan step down from his post.
Drawing a comparison with the 2011 anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, the editorial said the then UPA government had engaged in discussions with the veteran activist during his hunger strike.
It also accused the BJP of adopting a different approach now that it is in power.
"Back then, the BJP actively supported Anna's movement, loudly labelling it as 'public outrage' and the 'voice of the people'. Today, sitting comfortably in power, they dismiss Wangchuk's genuine, student-led protest as a 'political conspiracy'. This is nothing but pure hypocrisy," the editorial said.
The editorial concluded by urging opposition parties, civil society and students to support Wangchuk's protest and raise their voices over issues related to education and examination reforms.
It also appealed to Anna Hazare to extend support to Wangchuk's agitation.
"If Anna Hazare's spirit is alive, he must stand by Wangchuk in Delhi. The opposition must mobilise at Jantar Mantar, and the youth of this nation -- for whose very future Wangchuk is risking his life -- must awaken from their slumber. Chanting 'Jai Hind', young citizens need to hit the streets, break their silence, and hold this government accountable. Let Sonam Wangchuk's fight become India's collective struggle!"
