Thousands join Shiv Sena (UBT) protest in Mumbai backing NEET paper leak agitation

Protesters gather near the Meenatai Thackeray statue at Shivaji Park on Sunday in support of the demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak. Pics/Shadab Khan

Thousands of people, including students, professionals and senior citizens, gathered near the Meenatai Thackeray statue at Shivaji Park on Sunday in a protest organised by Shiv Sena (UBT) in support of the nearly month-long protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak, ahead of Monday's ‘Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament.

While party leaders addressed the gathering, many young protesters said they had turned up to demand accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and support those planning the ‘Chalo Sansad' march. The rally, attended by Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray and other Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, began around 4 pm with slogans demanding answers over the alleged examination irregularities. The programme concluded around 5.30 pm, but several young protesters stayed back, continuing to raise slogans despite the rain.

Srishti, working professional

A regular participant in public protests since 2016, Srishti said she would continue attending demonstrations until answers are provided. Recalling the protest outside CSMT on July 19, she added: "I got there a little late. When I arrived, the first thing I saw was police forcibly taking away the protesters."

Jennifer Lobo, working professional

Lobo (centre) attended the protest with Agnes Sunny and Peter D'Souza (left), carrying a banner that read: ‘No child should pay for systemic failure'. "I have a friend whose younger sister was taking the NEET this year. After the cancellation was announced, she locked herself in her parents' room. She couldn't bear the sight of her own room, which had all her books and study material. This is why I am here. The kids deserve an apology from those in power."

Voice of protesters

Young protester (name withheld on request)
"I woke up to the news on Saturday about how Sonam Wangchuk had been dragged from the protest site. He is fighting a war against something he had nothing to do with. No one I know was affected by the paper leak, but that doesn't mean we don't stand up against what is wrong. The lack of accountability has been bewildering."