Nashik, August 7: Following the nationwide outrage over the NEET exam paper leak and a 40-day student protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), held a press conference in Nashik on Friday. He criticized the central government, coaching institutions, and the education system.
Addressing the media, Thackeray stated that the protests at Jantar Mantar were only the beginning of widespread public anger. He remarked, “Such a large-scale movement is happening after many years. Not every parent’s child has taken the NEET exam, but the anger displayed by the youth in Delhi reflects deep social discontent. I believe this anger will intensify in the coming days.”
Thackeray condemned the central government’s handling of the protests, saying, “The demonstration at Jantar Mantar was peaceful, but the central government escalated the situation. When the police used force against the protesting youth in Delhi, the movement reached every household. Parents and elders felt as if their own children were being beaten. I believe this issue stems from internal conflicts within the BJP, which are now becoming apparent.”
Targeting Maharashtra Minister Chandrakant Patil, Thackeray emphasized that leaders should focus more on the plight of students in the state rather than administrative trivialities. He expressed concern over the prevailing culture of private coaching centers, highlighting how students immediately enroll in classes after the 10th grade, effectively allowing these institutions to decide college admissions.
He questioned, “Students spend eight hours a day in coaching classes instead of going to college. What role do colleges play in this scenario? How is attendance recorded when students spend their entire day at coaching centers?”
Clarifying that not all coaching institutions are problematic, Thackeray described the sector as a commercialized enterprise and alleged that the NEET exam paper leak originated from these coaching centers. He urged officials and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene and hold such institutions accountable.
Thackeray also brought attention to the tragic issue of student suicides linked to the exam leak. He noted that while 21 students across the country have sadly taken their lives, the name of Yash Gosavi from Nashik, who committed suicide due to depression stemming from the NEET paper leak, was removed from the government’s official list of victims.
Leave a Comment