Speaking at the launch of a book by Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Harshal Pradhan, Thackeray defended the student protesters and accused the authorities of unfairly targeting young people demanding justice

In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party claimed that India's education system has "completely collapsed," with Maharashtra witnessing a series of examination-related controversies that have shaken public confidence.