NEET row: Uddhav-Raj Thackeray announce Mumbai protest on July 26 with no political flags—‘We will thrash anyone who….’
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Thursday announced a joint morcha on July 26 to highlight
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Thursday announced a joint morcha on July 26 to highlight the concerns of students and their parents over the alleged police crackdown on protesters during Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest march and the NEET paper leak controversy. Raj warned to “thrash” anyone who creates disorder during their “peaceful” protest in the offing. He said the march would start from Shivaji Park and conclude at the Siddhivinayak temple, stressing that participants would not carry any political party flags. What did Uddhav Thackeray say? Speaking at a joint press conference, Uddhav accused the government of being insensitive, but said the student community was no longer intimidated. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What is the purpose of the upcoming July 26 protest announced by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray? ⌵ The July 26 protest aims to address concerns of students and parents related to the alleged police crackdown on previous protesters and the NEET paper leak controversy. 2 Why do Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray believe the government is insensitive to student issues?
⌵ They argue that the government has failed to acknowledge the hardships faced by students and has responded to protests with police violence, indicating a lack of genuine concern for their welfare. 3 How do Uddhav and Raj Thackeray plan to conduct the July 26 protest? ⌵ They plan to hold a peaceful protest march from Shivaji Park to the Siddhivinayak temple, with no political flags allowed to ensure it's a non-partisan demonstration. 4 What are the key demands of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) during the protests? ⌵ The CJP demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accountability for examination irregularities, and a stop to violence against peaceful protesters. 5 Should students prioritize academics over participating in protests according to the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)? ⌵ Yes, the AIU advises universities to counsel students to focus on their academics and not allow their energies to be diverted by protests, as prolonged agitation could harm their education. "Will the prime minister take responsibility for policemen who assaulted students and tore the clothes of women protesters?" he asked, according to PTI.
Also Read | Govt offers fresh talks with JP Nadda, CJP sets Jantar Mantar or neutral venue "This issue is not limited to just the NEET exam. A person from Bihar met Sanjay Raut and shared the hardships and problems they are facing. We will have to fight against this. I met the students as well; they were beaten and thrashed. Their clothes were torn," Uddhav mentioned, as per ANI. Uddhav also criticised the Union government, saying the current situation in the country suggested that the issue extended beyond Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reflected the need for a change in the government itself. He also revealed that he had spoken with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding the protest, adding that Maharashtra Congress leaders would participate in the march. Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress are allies in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Uddhav said the upcoming protest would be a non-partisan demonstration held in the national interest. He alleged that the Prime Minister's tweet issued earlier in the day was unnecessary and accused the authorities of using police personnel to assault students.
The BriefWire