New Delhi, July 22 — Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray, on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the NDA Government at the Centre following his visit to the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar against the NEET leaks, accusing the administration of attempting to stifle democratic voices instead of engaging in dialogue with the youth of the country.

Addressing a press conference, Thackeray reiterated his unwavering solidarity with the demonstrators, clarifying that his backing was not a recent development.

"I went to meet Abhijeet Dipke and the youths participating in the agitation. My support for this protest is not from yesterday—it has been there since day one. Had the government engaged in dialogue right at the beginning, this situation would not have escalated to this point," Thackeray stated.

"Let me clarify one thing—my support for this protest is not just from yesterday but from day one. Yesterday, I went specifically to meet everyone. Coincidentally, Rahul Gandhi also staged a protest yesterday. The government is acting with extreme cruelty. This is not democracy. People are now saying that even the British were better than this regime. Power has gone to the heads of those in office today, but it won’t take long for the public to bring them back to reality," Thackeray declared.

Emphasising the essential principles of a democracy, Thackeray noted that it is the government's responsibility to listen to citizens' grievances, address their demands, and resolve misunderstandings. He pointed out that had discussions been initiated on the very first day with key figures like Abhijeet Dipke and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, the agitation would not have intensified to such an extent.

Drawing historical parallels, Thackeray referenced past movements involving late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and social activist Anna Hazare, highlighting how previous administrations chose the path of communication during major protests. "Forcing one’s opinion on people and refusing to hear their voices is not democracy—it is dictatorship," he remarked.

Thackeray expressed strong indignation over police high-handedness against students and female protesters during the demonstration. He criticized the authorities' approach, stating that the treatment meted out to young girls and women was entirely uncalled for. "Demanding the resignation of a minister is a legitimate right in a democracy. What is wrong with that?" he questioned. Expressing deep indignation over the police action against demonstrators, Thackeray questioned the administration's conduct toward women and young girls.

"I saw what happened yesterday. The manner in which 9 to 10-year-old girls and women were treated is certainly not part of Hindu culture—this is not 'Ravan Raj'. The government must realise whether one individual is important or the public is important. Furthermore, the protesters are demanding the resignation of a minister—what is wrong with that in a democracy?" he asked.

"If the government truly believes in democracy, why does it feel demeaned to sit down and speak with the protesters?" he questioned. Thackeray urged the Centre to abandon its hardline stance, stop suppressing the youth, and immediately initiate meaningful talks with the agitators.

Meanwhile, Thackeray, before leaving for Mumbai, spoke with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the phone following high-voltage political developments in the national Capital.

Thackeray discussed Gandhi’s recent demonstration outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, during which police detained the Congress leader and removed him from the site, resulting in injuries. Late last night, Sonia Gandhi visited the police station, after which both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were released.

During their conversation, Thackeray also discussed the broader Opposition demonstrations and emphasised the need for a unified front in Parliament regarding the NEET examination paper leak. Thackeray told Gandhi that as the Opposition, they must firmly stand behind the affected students.

Earlier on Wednesday, AAP convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met Thackeray to discuss ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar alongside other pressing national issues. Addressing a joint press conference following the meeting, Kejriwal launched a scathing attack on the handling of the 2024 NEET exam paper leak.

"The masterminds behind the 2024 NEET paper leak have not been charged in a timely manner. Investigating agencies are failing to file chargesheets against the culprits, enabling them to secure automatic bail. How can the government claim it is reforming the examination system when the real perpetrators are allowed to walk free?" asked AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal.

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