Thackeray Cousins Unite for Youth-Powered Tiranga Rally in Mumbai
Indiadailyupdate.com – Security measures have been significantly enhanced around Mumbai’s historic Shivaji Park, where elaborate traffic management systems are operational. The venue hosted a significant joint gathering on Sunday, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray addressing thousands of supporters.
Despite intermittent rainfall throughout the day, numerous young attendees arrived from early Sunday morning. Many carried the national flag alongside posters displaying the Constitution of India, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
Uddhav’s Critique of BJP’s Election Preparations
Speaking to the assembled crowd, Uddhav Thackeray praised the ongoing student movement, noting that
“the youth have written a golden chapter in India’s history.”
The former Maharashtra chief minister directed criticism toward the ruling BJP, suggesting the party had already begun election preparations despite having three years remaining in its current term. When questioned about discussing elections so early, he provided a clear explanation:
“People ask us why we are talking about elections when they are still three years away. The answer is simple. Modi has now realised that votes can be stolen, but not people.”
Uddhav further accused the central government of prioritizing political defections over effective governance, referencing multiple Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs who transitioned to the Eknath Shinde faction.
“I want to tell Prime Minister Modi that it is time to focus on the country. Your ministers are busy breaking political parties. Tell them to start working for the nation,”
A Bigger Struggle Ahead
The Sena (UBT) chief encouraged young supporters to maintain their momentum, characterizing the NEET demonstration as merely the opening chapter of a larger movement.
“This is the beginning of a bigger struggle. This is a fight between the BJP and India,”
Additionally, Uddhav raised concerns about inflation rates and the E20 fuel policy implemented by the Centre. Before his main address, he and Raj Thackeray jointly paid homage to NEET aspirants who took their own lives during the protests.
Raj Thackeray Celebrates Youth Victory
The joint ‘Tiranga’ march was organized to demonstrate solidarity with nationwide student demonstrations concerning alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. Although the agitation was suspended on Saturday following Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union Education Minister, both parties chose to proceed with their plans.
Raj Thackeray emphasized that the gathering would honor the achievements of young protesters.
“Tomorrow at Shivaji Park, we will come to celebrate the victory of the youngsters. They brought the government back on the ground. We’ll be there to celebrate,”
Aaditya Calls for Accountability
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray encouraged public participation in the rally, describing it as a dual opportunity to celebrate success and seek answers regarding police conduct during demonstrations.
“Questions will be asked. Accountability will be asked for, and for that, we need to all come together, celebrate the moment, and yet ask further questions of who ordered the lathi charge on students and why atrocities were committed against them if the government always knew it was in the wrong,”
Uddhav had previously visited Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to show support for the student movement led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). He reiterated the importance of the upcoming march on Saturday evening.
“Tomorrow’s march is on. It is an important step. Many people have shown their willingness. Tomorrow we will show the strength of the Yuva Shakti,”
The CJP’s 36-day agitation, which drew extensive participation from students and supporters nationwide, was officially called off after Pradhan’s resignation on Saturday. The NEET paper leak and examination irregularities remained central concerns throughout the movement.
