Uddhav Thackeray Extends Support to CJP and Sonam Wangchuk’s Protest, Appeals to Activist to End Fast

Mumbai, July 13: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday extended support to the ongoing protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, calling for collective backing of the movement without attaching political identities to the issue.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Thackeray said that concerns raised by the protesters should be viewed as a public issue rather than a political campaign. He urged all political parties to stand with the agitation independently of their affiliations.

The former Maharashtra chief minister also appealed to Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to support the protest, stating that issues related to students and examination transparency require broader attention beyond party lines.

CJP Protest Continues at Jantar Mantar Over Exam Irregularities

The CJP has been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. The demonstration, which began on June 20, has continued for nearly a month, with protesters demanding accountability from the government.

The protesters have sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged failures in handling examination-related controversies. They have also demanded financial assistance for families of students who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy.

Following the allegations, authorities had conducted a re-examination last month to address concerns raised by candidates.

Sonam Wangchuk’s Health Raises Concern During Hunger Strike

Environmental activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and began an indefinite hunger strike in support of the demands raised by the CJP.

His health condition has reportedly worsened during the fast. Doctors monitoring his condition recently noted a decline in his blood pressure, along with significant weight loss since the beginning of the hunger strike.

Expressing concern over Wangchuk’s health, Thackeray appealed to him to withdraw his fast, saying his contribution and life were valuable and that dialogue should be pursued to resolve the concerns.

Thackeray Calls for Action During Parliament Session

Thackeray said the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament would provide an opportunity to raise the issue at the national level. He announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs would highlight the matter inside Parliament and seek discussions on the concerns raised by protesters.

He also said his party would organise a demonstration in Maharashtra on July 20, coinciding with the planned march towards Parliament by CJP supporters in New Delhi.

According to the protest organisers, the march is scheduled for the opening day of the Monsoon Session and aims to draw attention to demands related to examination reforms and accountability.

‘Demanding Resignation Is Not Wrong’: Thackeray

Responding to criticism over the demand for the education minister’s resignation, Thackeray said seeking accountability from those holding constitutional responsibilities was a legitimate democratic process.

He maintained that the protest should not be viewed through a political lens and that the focus should remain on students’ concerns and restoring confidence in the examination system.

Thackeray Continues Ram Temple Donation Protest Campaign

During the press conference, Uddhav Thackeray also spoke about his upcoming visit to Nagpur on July 18, where he is scheduled to participate in the ‘Ram Raksha’ protest.

The campaign was launched earlier this month by Shiv Sena (UBT) over allegations of financial irregularities linked to donations collected for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Thackeray said his party would continue raising issues related to transparency and accountability while also supporting movements concerning public interest.