Uddhav Thackeray Backs Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike At Jantar Mantar
On Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray extended his support to the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar, backing climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke over the NEET paper leak controversy and alleged examination irregularities. Monday marked the 16th day of Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at the protest site.
Speaking at a press conference, Thackeray stated that the issue was not political but directly concerned the future of the country's youth. He urged citizens and political parties to set aside their agendas and unite to raise their voices.
"We need to stay awake. Sleeping won't work. The situation in the country is very strange. This is not a political issue. This is about the country. The country needs to wake up," Thackeray said.
Thackeray expressed deep concern over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health and criticized the government's response to the protest, calling it insensitive. He shared that he had previously requested Wangchuk not to go on a hunger strike, alleging that the government ignores public concerns. He also mentioned sending party leader Arvind Sawant to speak with Wangchuk earlier.
Shifting focus to the NEET-UG controversy, Thackeray alleged that Maharashtra had become the epicentre of the paper leak and questioned the lack of action against those responsible. He called for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, stating that the minister's actions had ruined the future of lakhs of students.
Thackeray announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament will raise the issue strongly during the upcoming Parliament session. He also declared his support for a march to Parliament planned by the CJP for July 20, stating he would participate and urging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and others to join.
The CJP has been staging its protest at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding Pradhan's resignation. Wangchuk later joined the demonstration, launching his indefinite hunger strike.
