22 July,2026 11:34 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday launched a fresh attack on the BJP-led Central government, alleging that it has failed to engage with protesting youths and has instead relied on police action to deal with public dissent.
In an editorial published in its party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party claimed that the government's refusal to hold dialogue with protesters reflected a growing disconnect between the administration and citizens.
The editorial comes amid continuing protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and the police action against demonstrators during the "Sansad Chalo" march in New Delhi earlier this week.
The editorial described the police response to the protests in Delhi as excessive and alleged that demonstrators continued their agitation despite the use of force.
"On the streets of Delhi, police were lathi-charging youth, while angry young people quietly stood their ground and absorbed the blows. When protesters are born who say, 'Hit me more, but I will not move from here', what harm can dictators do to them? On Monday, the tyranny of the world's largest democracy was seen on the streets of Delhi. Government violence on India's land of 'Buddha' proved to be a mockery of humanity. Modi calls himself a Vishwaguru. Blind followers consider him the 13th incarnation of Vishnu. However, on the streets of Delhi, they are running a demonic regime that breaks the heads of innocent youth. If those in power do not initiate a dialogue, it seems their rule will not last long," the editorial stated.
The party alleged that the government's approach had intensified public resentment rather than resolving the issue.
The Saamana editorial argued that the Centre had consistently avoided engaging in dialogue with protesters, journalists and citizens raising concerns.
It also questioned why Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had not resigned amid the continuing protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
"In reality, taking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was easy, but PM Modi does not take this resignation. Because after that, a queue of resignations would follow in the Cabinet. At least a dozen ministers who are statues of vices like corruption, looting, and inefficiency would have to resign. Every time, the public will come onto the streets and knock on Modi's door to demand the resignations of corrupt officials," the editorial said.
The claims made in the editorial reflect the party's political position. The Central government has not accepted these allegations.
The editorial also referred to several ongoing protests across the country, including demonstrations over environmental issues, land acquisition and infrastructure projects.
It mentioned protests related to tree felling in Rishikesh, forest clearances in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, and farmer agitations in Maharashtra districts including Nashik, Akola, Solapur, Bhandara and Buldhana.
According to the party, these protests indicate broader public dissatisfaction with government policies.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led party further alleged that democratic institutions were being weakened and criticised the functioning of constitutional bodies.
The editorial also referred to political developments in Maharashtra, including the absence of a recognised Leader of the Opposition in the state legislature, and criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the conduct of legislative proceedings.
These remarks are allegations made by the party and have not been responded to by the BJP or the Maharashtra government in the editorial.
Drawing comparisons with student- and youth-led movements in countries such as Libya, Bangladesh and Nepal, the editorial argued that the absence of dialogue between governments and citizens has historically led to political instability.
"Dialogue is crucial in politics. However, dialogue between the Modi government and the public has ended. For the BJP, the voter has become a purchasable commodity. The ego of Modi -- who ruled for 12 years on the formula that elections can be won by buying this commodity -- has been reduced to dust by the anger of the youth," the editorial stated.
Concluding the article, the Saamana editorial claimed that governments become vulnerable when they fail to respond to public grievances and alleged that democratic institutions were increasingly being influenced by the ruling establishment.
