NEET Paper Leak Protest: Thousands Gather at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, Demand Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation
Thousands of youth gathered at Shivaji Park in Mumbai demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak. Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, Amit Thackeray and other leaders joined the protest.
A massive gathering of youth assembled at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Friday to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak issue. Holding the Tricolour and singing the National Anthem, the protesters called for accountability over the alleged paper leak. Several political leaders and public figures participated in the protest, while Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders reiterated their demand for the minister’s resignation.
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Massive Youth Protest Over NEET Paper Leak
A large number of young people gathered at Shivaji Park demanding that Dharmendra Pradhan step down as Union Education Minister over the NEET paper leak controversy.
The protesters carried the Indian National Flag (Tricolour) and sang the National Anthem during the demonstration.
Political Leaders and Public Figures Join Protest
Among those present at the protest were:
- Uddhav Thackeray
- Aaditya Thackeray
- Sanjay Raut
- Sharmila Thackeray
- Tushar Gandhi
- Actor Atul Kulkarni
Abhijit Dipke Speaks to Protesters via Phone
During the protest, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijit Dipke interacted with the youth gathered at Shivaji Park through a phone call connected by Aaditya Thackeray.
During the conversation, Dipke thanked Uddhav Thackeray for supporting the Cockroach Janta Party, Ladakh climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, and students from the very beginning of the movement.
Dipke also informed the gathering that CJP spokespersons met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Friday and submitted three key demands, while reaffirming that the party and students remained firm on seeking Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
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Aaditya Thackeray Calls for Systemic Change
Speaking to Dipke during the phone call, Aaditya Thackeray said:
“We have to change the system by securing this resignation. This is a new India, and it will not bow down.”
Later, addressing the crowd, Aaditya Thackeray thanked Sonam Wangchuk, noting that while his hunger strike had ended, the agitation continued.
He urged the people gathered at Shivaji Park to ensure that their collective voice reached Delhi and appealed to them not to relent until Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.
Questioning the gathering, Aaditya Thackeray asked:
“Can you ever be friends with those after enduring their cane-charge?”
He further asked:
“Now, you can protest wherever you want; no one will touch you. Can you be friends with them after being cane-charged? Can you be friends with those behind paper leaks? Can you be friends with those who violate the Constitution? Can you be friends with those who divide people along Hindu-Muslim lines? Can you be friends with those who flee abroad during times of crisis? Will you sit quietly until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns?”
He concluded by urging protesters not to back down until the Union Education Minister resigned.
Uddhav Thackeray Says Delhi Must Hear ‘Jan Ki Baat’
Addressing the gathering, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray said:
“This is the second time in four days that we are meeting at this very spot. Day before yesterday I went to Delhi, and now we will meet again on Sunday. We are all Indians, and that is our primary identity.”
He added:
“Those who ruled until today by instilling fear and forcing us to forget our identity need to witness this scene. Delhi will have to listen to this ‘Jan Ki Baat’ (people’s voice). Students were brutally cane-charged in Delhi. The government may have guns and lathis in their hands, but we hold the Tricolour. We stand before you with the National Anthem — let’s see whether the Tricolour wins or your dictatorship.”
Amit Thackeray Praises Protesters
MNS leader Amit Thackeray praised the protesters and said their movement was making an impact in Delhi.
He told the gathering:
“Your voice is reaching Delhi, and your strength is visible there. We have all become your followers now. You don’t need to do anything extra. We came here today to ensure no one lays a finger on you and that no legal cases are filed against you. You are doing a fantastic job. The country has been ignited because of you. Things are going extremely well, and the government has been forced onto the backfoot. It is our young men and women who have pushed such a tyrannical government onto the defensive.”
He also added:
“I haven’t come here to speak much; I am here just to experience this moment. If any of you wish to speak, please come up to the stage. Your protest is going very well. I am going to step down, stand among you, and sing the National Anthem.”
Current Status
The protest concluded with participants reiterating their demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET paper leak issue. According to the participants and leaders present, the agitation will continue until their demand is met.
A massive youth gathering at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on July 24 renewed demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak issue. Prominent leaders including Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray, Amit Thackeray, Sanjay Raut, Sharmila Thackeray, Tushar Gandhi, Atul Kulkarni, and CJP leader Abhijit Dipke participated or addressed the gathering, where protesters vowed to continue their agitation until their demand is fulfilled.
