21 July,2026 11:26 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI
Shiv Sena (UBT) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Central government, accusing it of protecting "incompetent" ministers instead of addressing public concerns.
In an editorial published in its party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party described the ongoing youth protests across the country as the beginning of a "revolution" and alleged that growing public anger was being met with repression.
The editorial comes amid continuing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In the editorial, Shiv Sena (UBT) criticised the government's response to the protests and alleged that the administration was attempting to suppress public dissent through police action.
"Roars of dictatorship will not be tolerated and 'Modi, quit power' are echoing through the streets."
Referring to the protests in the national capital, the editorial said thousands of young people marched towards Parliament despite the use of tear gas and baton charges by police, claiming that the demonstrators refused to retreat.
The party argued that the protests reflected growing dissatisfaction among young people over unemployment and other issues affecting them.
The editorial claimed that the current agitation gained momentum following remarks allegedly made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who, according to the party, referred to unemployed youth as "cockroaches."
"The youth were living in Modi's India believing that 'this is our destiny and Modi is our God', while in reality, their lives -- devoid of jobs, work, home, and dignity -- had become like that of cockroaches. However, cockroaches are known to survive even in the harshest conditions. Scientists believe that when the world comes to an end, the cockroach will be among the few living beings left alive. Now, Prime Minister Modi and his government have begun to fear these very 'cockroaches'," the editorial stated.
The editorial claimed that young people who had previously remained silent were now coming together to demand accountability from the government.
The Saamana editorial also referred to ongoing hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, describing it as a key factor in mobilising protesters.
It alleged that the government's response changed only after Wangchuk's health deteriorated and he was admitted to hospital.
The editorial further claimed that demonstrations had spread beyond Delhi, citing protest gatherings at Shivaji Park in Mumbai under the leadership of Aaditya Thackeray, as well as similar protests in Pune and Nagpur.
The editorial criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not seeking the resignation of several Union ministers over various issues raised by the Opposition.
It alleged that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should be held accountable over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. It also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the law and order situation in Manipur, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over border-related issues involving China, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar over the economy and foreign policy.
These allegations reflect the party's political position. The Central government has not accepted the Opposition's claims regarding these issues.
Concluding the editorial, Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed that young people had overcome fear and would continue to hold the government accountable.
"While children of Union Ministers study in foreign universities and secure high-paying jobs, they will hold leaders accountable and enter their homes, the Prime Minister's Office, the Home Ministry, the Education Ministry, the Supreme Court, and the Raj Bhavan. They will make life impossible for the ruling class," the editorial stated.
