Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday cast doubt over the intent behind the proposed Tiranga March announced by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, saying the event appeared to be driven more by political considerations than by concern for students affected by the NEET paper leak controversy.
Speaking to reporters in Pandharpur after offering prayers at the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, Fadnavis said democratic values give everyone the right to hold protests, but questioned whether Sunday’s march was genuinely centred on student issues.
The Chief Minister remarked that while public demonstrations are part of democracy, the planned mobilisation seemed to be an effort by the Thackeray cousins to regain political relevance. He nevertheless wished them well, saying every political group has the freedom to express its views peacefully.
The joint rally announced by the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on Sunday in support of students protesting against the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and demanding accountability from the Centre.
Referring to the wider agitation unfolding across the country, Fadnavis drew a distinction between peaceful protesters and those he claimed were attempting to exploit the issue for political purposes. According to him, many citizens have joined the movement out of genuine concern for students and the future of the education system, while others are using the protests to create unrest and gain political mileage.
The Chief Minister also referred to activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Centre. Fadnavis said the government’s acceptance of key demands and initiation of follow-up measures had prompted Wangchuk to conclude his fast and appeal for peaceful continuation of the movement.
Apart from commenting on the ongoing political developments, Fadnavis reviewed progress on the proposed Pandharpur Temple Corridor Project. He expressed confidence that work on the project would begin this year, adding that major components are expected to be completed within the next two to two-and-a-half years, while the entire project could take around four years to finish.
He also said discussions with stakeholders had yielded positive results, claiming that concerns raised by a large majority of those affected had already been addressed, with the remaining issues expected to be resolved through continued dialogue.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came a day after Uddhav Thackeray, addressing a gathering in Mumbai, declared that while governments may possess the power of force, protesters were carrying the national flag and fighting for students. He accused the authorities of acting harshly against demonstrators and asserted that the people’s voice would eventually prevail.
The exchange has intensified the political battle in Maharashtra as parties seek to position themselves around the nationwide student movement, with Sunday’s Tiranga March expected to become another major flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the NEET paper leak and education reforms.
