Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 6: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday voiced support for protesting students and job aspirants, urging the government not to dismiss or underestimate the growing youth-led “Cockroach” movement demanding accountability over examination irregularities.

Reacting to a protest held at Jantar Mantar under the leadership of Abhijeet Dipke, Thackeray said the voices of young people expressing frustration over their future deserved to be heard.

He said thousands of students and aspirants affected by the alleged NEET paper leak had taken to the streets to highlight their concerns, adding that branding them as “cockroaches” or ridiculing their movement was unjust.

“The youth are the future of the country. When they come out in large numbers to express their anxiety and anger, the government must listen instead of ignoring them,” Thackeray said.

The former Maharashtra Chief Minister argued that the controversy surrounding examination leaks had severely impacted the aspirations of lakhs of students and that those participating in the protest were symbolically using the “cockroach” identity to express their sense of neglect and frustration.

Thackeray, along with Aaditya Thackeray and other opposition leaders, has used the issue to criticise the Centre’s handling of student concerns and competitive examination systems.

The protest at Jantar Mantar was organised with permission from the police and centred on demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Dipke, who recently returned from the United States, led the demonstration and warned that if the minister does not step down, fresh protests would be organised next week.

Meanwhile, security arrangements around Dipke’s residence in the Waluj Mahanagar area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar were reviewed by local police officials. Senior officers inspected the area and assessed security measures as a precautionary step amid the ongoing agitation.

According to sources, authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure law and order and prevent any untoward incidents linked to the protest movement.