Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the proposed July 26 protest in Mumbai, asserting that anti-social elements would not be allowed to hijack what he described as a peaceful demonstration in support of students.
The march, jointly organised by the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), has been announced in solidarity with students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding accountability from the Centre.
Raj Thackeray Warns Against Mischief During Protest
Addressing a joint press conference, Raj Thackeray said the organisers were committed to ensuring that the protest remained peaceful and disciplined. He cautioned that anyone attempting to create disturbances or violence during the march would face immediate resistance.“If any goons infiltrate the protest on July 26, we will beat them up, just like we did in Delhi. Such people should stay away from my protest,” Raj Thackeray said.
He also appealed to police personnel not to take steps that could escalate tensions during the demonstration.
Questions Centre’s Response To Student Movement
Raj Thackeray criticised the Centre’s handling of the ongoing student protests, alleging that peaceful demonstrations were being met with excessive action instead of dialogue.
He argued that governments should engage with protesters through discussions rather than allowing the situation to escalate. According to him, the growing scale of the nationwide protests reflected increasing public dissatisfaction.“The government should have initiated discussions. Today the protests have increased, so the government is scared. Today, the Prime Minister is scared; that’s why he’s tweeting,” he said.
Joint Opposition Support For Students
The July 26 march comes after both Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray extended support to the student movement and the ongoing protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Uddhav Thackeray had earlier travelled to Delhi to meet protesting students and express solidarity with their demands. Leaders from several Opposition parties, including NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, have also voiced support for the agitation.
The protests have largely centred on demands for accountability over the alleged NEET examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Restrictions Remain In Force Across Mumbai
The planned march will take place amid citywide prohibitory orders imposed by Mumbai Police.
Restrictions under the Maharashtra Police Act are currently in force across Mumbai from July 23 to August 6, prohibiting unlawful assemblies, processions without permission, loudspeakers, amplified sound systems and certain public gatherings.
The police have stepped up security arrangements across the city to prevent any law-and-order issues during the period.
Q1. What did Raj Thackeray say about the July 26 protest?
Raj Thackeray warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful protest would be “thrashed” and asked anti-social elements to stay away.
Q2. Why is the July 26 protest being organised?
The march has been called in support of students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding accountability from the Centre.
Q3. Who is organising the Mumbai protest?
The protest is being jointly organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (UBT).
Q4. Are restrictions in force in Mumbai?
Yes. Mumbai Police have imposed prohibitory orders across the city from July 23 to August 6, restricting unlawful assemblies and certain public activities.
