Nashik, August 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Friday criticised the Union government, coaching institute culture and the education system over the controversy surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak, saying the issue reflected deeper concerns among students and parents across the country.
Addressing a press conference in Nashik, Thackeray referred to the nationwide anger and the prolonged student protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, saying the agitation was an indication of growing frustration among the youth.
“An agitation of this scale is taking place after many years. Not every parent had a child appearing for the NEET examination, but the anger shown by the youth in Delhi reflected a larger social concern. I believe this anger will grow further in the coming days,” he said.
Questioning the government’s handling of the protests, Thackeray alleged that the situation escalated after police action against students demonstrating in Delhi.
“The protest at Jantar Mantar was peaceful, but when force was used against the protesting youth, the issue reached every household. Parents and elders felt as if their own children were being attacked,” he said, adding that political differences within the BJP were also coming to the fore.
Taking a dig at Maharashtra Minister Chandrakant Patil, the MNS chief said leaders should focus on larger issues affecting students rather than administrative matters.
Thackeray also raised concerns over the growing influence of private coaching centres, saying many students begin preparing for competitive examinations immediately after Class 10 and spend most of their time in coaching institutes instead of colleges.
“Students spend eight hours a day in coaching classes instead of attending college. What role are colleges playing then? How is attendance being maintained when students are spending their entire day at coaching centres?” he questioned.
While clarifying that not all coaching institutes operate unfairly, Thackeray alleged that the commercialisation of the coaching sector had created problems and claimed that such systems contributed to incidents like paper leaks.
He urged the authorities and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take strict action against institutes found violating rules and affecting students’ futures.
Thackeray also highlighted the issue of student suicides allegedly linked to the NEET paper leak controversy. He said that while 21 students across the country had reportedly lost their lives, Nashik resident Yash Gosavi, who died by suicide after suffering depression over the issue, was not included in the government’s official list of victims.
Targeting former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Thackeray questioned the confidence of citizens in India’s education system.
“Today’s youth have smartphones and are aware of global opportunities. Many are choosing foreign universities for higher education, and Indian parents spend nearly Rs 5 lakh crore annually on overseas education. If even the family of a former Education Minister chooses education abroad, why should ordinary parents continue to have faith in the system?” he asked.
Thackeray’s remarks come amid continued debate over examination reforms, paper leaks and the role of coaching institutions in India’s competitive education landscape.
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