Uddhav Thackeray Leads Shivaji Park Protest Against Sonam Wangchuk's Arrest
On Sunday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray led a protest at Shivaji Park in Mumbai to criticize the Narendra Modi-led NDA government over the arrest of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, was arrested by the government in Delhi.
The demonstration in Shivaji Park drew senior party leaders, including Aditya Thackeray, MP Sanjay Raut, and Sushma Andhare. Party workers gathered at the venue, raising slogans in support of Wangchuk and activist Abhijit Deepke.
Addressing the gathering, Uddhav Thackeray accused the central government of suppressing dissent and refusing to engage with citizens who work for the welfare of the nation. He highlighted Wangchuk’s contributions to national causes, such as developing solar camps for soldiers stationed in Ladakh and creating artificial ice reservoirs to address water scarcity in the region.
Thackeray questioned the government's priorities, referencing past statements by RSS leaders Dattatreya Hosabale and Mohan Bhagwat, who had advocated for dialogue with Pakistan. He asked why the Centre was willing to consider discussions with Pakistan but refused to initiate talks with Wangchuk.
Drawing a historical comparison, Thackeray recalled the Anna Hazare anti-corruption movement. He noted that the then-UPA government chose to engage in dialogue with Hazare rather than branding him anti-national.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief further sharpened his criticism, accusing the BJP-led government of failing to address key issues such as employment and education. He alleged that the current administration had "stolen the future" of the youth and urged citizens to channel their anger into a movement to change the government through democratic means.
Thackeray concluded by challenging the Modi government to announce fresh elections, asserting that the opposition is prepared to fight with full strength. He also criticized the BJP for allegedly poaching leaders from opposition parties.
