Uddhav, Raj Thackeray to Lead Joint March in Mumbai Over NEET Row

Mumbai, 23rd July 2026: In a rare show of political unity, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray have announced a joint protest march in Mumbai on July 26, expressing support for students protesting over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the handling of demonstrations by authorities.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference on Thursday, where both leaders accused the Centre of failing to adequately address students’ concerns. They also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding the Union government accountable for the controversy surrounding the national medical entrance examination.

According to the leaders, the march will begin from Shivaji Park in Dadar on Sunday morning and conclude at the Siddhivinayak Temple, where they plan to offer prayers while reiterating their demand for transparency and accountability in the examination system.

Calling on students and citizens to participate in large numbers, Raj Thackeray said the protest aims to amplify the voices of those seeking a fair and transparent examination process. He maintained that the government should engage with aggrieved students through dialogue rather than confrontation.

Uddhav Thackeray echoed similar views, stating that the march is intended to demonstrate solidarity with students across the country and to urge the government to restore public confidence in the integrity of competitive examinations.

The proposed march is expected to focus on the alleged NEET examination irregularities, demands for accountability, and concerns over police action during student protests. Leaders and workers from other Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents are also likely to join the demonstration.

The announcement comes amid continuing protests in several parts of the country, with student organisations and opposition parties demanding greater transparency, accountability, and reforms in the conduct of national-level entrance examinations.