Fadnavis Reacts as Raj and Uddhav Thackeray Announce Students' March in Mumbai; Recalls TET Scam
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has responded to the joint protest announced by Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray in support of students. While the Thackeray brothers called for a peaceful march on July 26, Fadnavis hit back by citing the TET recruitment scam that occurred during Uddhav Thackeray's tenure as Chief Minister.
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A fresh political confrontation has emerged in Maharashtra after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray announced a joint protest march in Mumbai in support of students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy.
Addressing a joint press conference on Wednesday, the Thackeray brothers announced that the march will be held on July 26, from Shivaji Park to Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai. They appealed to students and parents to participate, stating that the rally would carry only the Indian national flag and no political party flags.
Raj Thackeray said the issue has gone beyond the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and has now reached demands for greater accountability from the Central government. He also warned that if anyone attempted to create unrest during the Mumbai march, as alleged during recent protests in Delhi, they would be dealt with firmly, while maintaining that the demonstration would remain peaceful.
Uddhav Thackeray said the movement is no longer limited to the NEET issue but reflects broader public anger over governance and accountability. He also invited leaders from across political parties, including NCP founder Sharad Pawar and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, to join the march if they support students' concerns.
Fadnavis Hits Back
Responding to the announcement, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticised Uddhav Thackeray's record in office. He reminded the public that the TET recruitment examination scam took place when Uddhav Thackeray was Chief Minister.
Fadnavis alleged that the TET scam was one of the biggest examination scandals in Maharashtra's history, involving several officials, and claimed that even candidates who had failed were allegedly declared successful during that period.
He further stated that his government had detected and prevented another alleged examination scam before the examination took place, adding that political leaders should not ignore their own record while criticising others.
Political Debate Intensifies
The announcement of the July 26 march has further intensified the political debate over examination irregularities and student protests. While opposition leaders continue to demand accountability over the NEET controversy, the ruling BJP has countered by highlighting alleged examination-related scams during previous governments.
The planned march is expected to draw significant public attention as student groups, parents, and political leaders prepare to participate in what organisers describe as a peaceful demonstration in support of students' rights.