Uddhav Thackeray Calls For Fight To Change Central Government At Mumbai Rally

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray called for a political fight to replace the BJP-led Central government during a rally in Mumbai on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Speaking on the eve of Parliament's monsoon session, Thackeray targeted the administration over alleged irregularities in the NEET exam and the ongoing hunger strike of activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Addressing the gathering in Mumbai, Thackeray accused the Central government of "stealing the future of the youth." He highlighted the recent irregularities surrounding the NEET exam and the tragic student suicides tied to the issue, which have sparked widespread public concern.

"A fight should now be launched to change a government that is not accountable. And this fight is not just about Sonam Wangchuk," Thackeray told the crowd.

Thackeray strongly defended Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike since June 28, 2026, over the NEET irregularities and student suicides following the cancellation of the exam paper. Thackeray questioned how the activist could be described as "anti-national" by critics. He pointed to Wangchuk's contributions, including building solar tents for soldiers working in sub-zero temperatures and creating ice stupas to address severe water woes in Ladakh.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also drew comparisons with the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) administration. He recalled that the government led by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sent an official delegation to hold discussions with social activist Anna Hazare when he went on an indefinite hunger strike in 2011. Thackeray questioned why the current Modi government has not taken similar action to engage with Wangchuk during his protest.

The political attack comes at a challenging time for Thackeray's party, which recently saw six of its Lok Sabha Members of Parliament switch allegiances to the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The Mumbai rally sets an aggressive tone for the opposition as they prepare to confront the government in the upcoming parliamentary session.