Ankit Salvi/Mumbai
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) chief Uddhav Thackeray has extended support to the ongoing youth protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, led by Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party.
The demonstration calls for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over concerns related to the NEET paper leak controversy.
In a statement issued on the protest, Thackeray said that the country's youth, often described as the nation's future
and destiny-makers, have been forced to take to the streets in the scorching heat while carrying the burden of uncertainty and frustration over their future.
Referring to the symbolic use of the term "cockroach" by the protesters, Thackeray said it was unfair to demean young people or deny them justice.
"Thousands of young people whom we call the nation's future have come out onto the streets with their pain and concerns about their future. The NEET paper leak has devastated millions of students. The government must listen to their voices. The protest at Jantar Mantar is a warning not to underestimate them," Thackeray said.
The protest, spearheaded by Dipke, reportedly drew significant participation from students and youth groups. Delhi Police had granted permission for the demonstration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dipke warned that if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not step down, another round of protests will be organised next Saturday.
Meanwhile, security measures have been intensified around Dipke's residence in the Waluj area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. According to police sources, senior officials reviewed the security arrangements to ensure that no untoward incidents occur amid the ongoing agitation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Prashant Mohite, Special Branch Police Inspector Avinash Aghav, Waluj MIDC Police Inspector Rameshwar Gade, along with other officers, inspected the area and issued necessary instructions to maintain law and order.
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored as the protest movement continues to gain attention.
