Uddhav Thackeray Says Opposition Failed Youth, INDIA Bloc 'Blocked For Now'

In Mumbai on Sunday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray admitted that Opposition parties have failed to win the confidence of young people over the last 12 years, while stating that the INDIA bloc is "blocked as of now."

Speaking in an interview with Saamana, Thackeray reflected on political developments amid mounting student protests and a paper leak controversy that forced the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Thackeray specifically referred to Abhijeet Dipke, who returned from the United States and emerged as a prominent face of the student movement, stating that the strong response Dipke received underscored the Opposition’s inability to connect with the youth.

Thackeray stated that he would not solely blame the ruling parties for the shift in public sentiment, acknowledging that Opposition parties share the responsibility. He said that ruling party leaders worked to split Opposition parties by prioritizing personal benefits, which ultimately caused citizens to lose faith in political parties as a whole.

On the subject of improving coordination among INDIA bloc partners, Thackeray mentioned that he had spoken to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Maharashtra Congress leaders before announcing Sunday’s Tiranga Rally. Regarding these coordination efforts, he said that partners are trying and expressed hope that something good will come out of the process.

Calling the Gen Z-led agitation a new lifeline for democracy, Thackeray emphasized that political parties must stand with young people. Referring to the protesters as the "Cockroach Janata Party", Thackeray stated that the Opposition could not remain silent following the success of the movement, warning that an anti-democratic ruling regime would crush the spark if parties failed to back them.

Describing those who joined the protests as avatars of Vishnu, Thackeray said citizens had come onto the streets alongside their parents and grandparents to save humanity and the country regardless of religion. He maintained that when citizens unite against injustice, even powerful governments cannot withstand them.

Thackeray also affirmed that Shiv Sena (UBT), which was founded by Balasaheb Thackeray and historically known as a youth-centric organisation, will continue to champion youth issues and persist with its Ram Raksha Andolan.