Education – Mumbai Tiranga March Planned Over NEET Protest and Minister Resignation Demand
Education –The protest against the alleged NEET paper leak has expanded beyond Delhi, drawing support from several political parties, student groups, and citizens across different states. A Tiranga March has now been announced in Mumbai, where participants will demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan while expressing solidarity with students who have been protesting over the examination controversy.
Mumbai Rally Scheduled in Support of Students
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray have jointly called for a Tiranga March in Mumbai on Sunday, July 26. The demonstration is being organised to support students protesting over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and to seek the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Organisers have also condemned the reported police action against students during their march towards Parliament in Delhi.
Raj Thackeray Calls for a Peaceful Demonstration
Ahead of the march, Raj Thackeray appealed to participants to maintain discipline throughout the event. In a message shared on social media, he said the rally was intended to highlight concerns regarding the NEET examination and what he described as attempts to suppress the ongoing student movement.
He stated that the gathering would also serve as a public expression of opposition to the Central government’s handling of the issue and its response to student demonstrations. According to him, the march aims to stand with students who have continued their protest despite challenges and to reassure families across the country that they are not alone.
Maharashtra’s Support for Students
Raj Thackeray said the rally represents the collective support of Maharashtra for students demanding accountability. He noted that many families and supporters may not be able to travel to Delhi or attend demonstrations elsewhere, making the Mumbai march an opportunity to express solidarity closer to home.
According to his statement, the event is intended to send a message that concerns surrounding the NEET examination are being closely watched by people beyond the national capital and have generated widespread public attention.
Organisers Ban Political Flags and Personal Slogans
The MNS chief clarified that the Tiranga March would not feature political party flags or slogans praising individual leaders. He said the demonstration should remain focused on students and the issues surrounding the examination rather than becoming a platform for political campaigning.
Participants have instead been encouraged to raise slogans supporting students and youth while expressing their views on the matter. Raj Thackeray also requested that neither his name nor Uddhav Thackeray’s name be used in slogans during the event, stressing that the protest belongs to students.
Warning Against Disruption During the March
Raj Thackeray warned that any attempt to disrupt the rally or create disturbances would not be tolerated. He urged participants to immediately hand over anyone involved in misconduct, objectionable slogans, or harassment to police personnel present at the venue.
He specifically called for strict action against anyone attempting to intimidate students, parents, women, or girls attending the march. He also remarked that organisers were prepared to deal firmly with any efforts to disturb the peaceful nature of the demonstration if necessary.
Workers Asked to Assist Students and Families
Raj Thackeray appealed to MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) workers to participate in large numbers while ensuring the safety and convenience of students and their families throughout the event. He encouraged party workers to help attendees during the march and make sure they returned home safely after the programme concluded.
The gathering has been scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. near the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Shivaji Park. Organisers have invited students, parents, and members of the public to join the peaceful demonstration, saying the march is intended to reflect public concern over the NEET controversy and the future of students.