Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), joined the Cockroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday night to demand government accountability [1, 2].
Thackeray's participation signals an expanding political coalition supporting youth-led grievances over national examination integrity. By aligning with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader is leveraging a high-profile public health and education crisis to challenge the central government's administration of competitive exams.
The protest focused on alleged irregularities and paper leaks regarding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) [3]. Thackeray addressed the crowd and called for national unity in the face of these systemic failures. He said the government should change, rather than just replacing one minister [2].
Demonstrators specifically demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan [2, 3]. The CJP had previously established a seven-day deadline [4] for the government to take concrete action regarding the exam irregularities.
Thackeray appeared alongside party leaders Sonam Wangchuk and Abhijeet Dipke [1]. The atmosphere at the Delhi site remained tense, as reports indicated police responded to the demonstrations with lathi-charges and the use of tear gas [5].
Dipke said he would not lead further marches because of concerns that police would hurt the youth [1]. Despite the police presence, the gathering served as a platform for Thackeray to rally behind the student movement and demand transparency in the medical entrance process [3].
“The government should change, not just one minister.”
The convergence of established political figures like Uddhav Thackeray with grassroots movements such as the Cockroach Janta Party suggests that exam irregularities have evolved from a student grievance into a broader political liability for the central government. By framing the NEET leaks as a failure of governance rather than a mere administrative error, the opposition is attempting to mobilize a disillusioned youth electorate across state lines.
