Mumbai, July 21: Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), launched a scathing attack on the central government on Tuesday. His comments came in response to the forcible hospitalization of social activist Sonam Wangchuk and the violent crackdown on protesting students.
Thackeray expressed his discontent on the social media platform X, condemning the government’s harsh stance. He stated, “This government has become mentally ill and needs to be hospitalized.”
The MNS leader voiced his anger over the actions taken against peaceful protesters, claiming that the central government forcibly removed Wangchuk and admitted him to a hospital. He criticized the brutal police action against demonstrators, asserting that the government takes pride in suppressing legitimate protests.
Reiterating his demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Thackeray questioned the government’s reluctance to act. He remarked, “Who is Dharmendra Pradhan that his resignation feels like a defeat for the government? The anger of the country’s students is far more significant than Pradhan’s and the government’s ego.”
He raised the question of why the Prime Minister, who engages in ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha,’ does not communicate directly with students on the streets. Criticizing the ruling party’s attitude towards grievances and opposition, Thackeray noted a growing arrogance within the administration. He suggested that the ruling party believes it won elections not through public votes but via central agencies and EVMs.
Referencing historical and global student movements, Thackeray cited examples such as the Arab Spring (2011), the Sri Lankan crisis (2022), and anti-government protests in Nepal, along with Jayaprakash Narayan’s ‘Total Revolution’ in India. He emphasized that student discontent has historically led to significant political changes.
“This movement is not limited to just one examination. It is an explosion of public frustration against inflation, contract culture, suffocating urban development, and widespread governance failures,” he stated.
Thackeray highlighted that the courage shown by students stems from deep disappointment with the country’s situation. He warned that if the government resorts to brutality instead of wisdom, it risks losing power gained through historical movements. Reaffirming his party’s stance against centralized entrance exams like NEET, Thackeray urged the administration to show understanding rather than force.
He concluded, “An incompetent minister should resign, and there must be complete transparency in examinations. There is no bravery in ruthlessly crushing protests. True wisdom lies in resolving issues through dialogue. MNS fully supports these students and their demands.”
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