Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has issued a strong warning against anyone attempting to disrupt the planned protest march in Mumbai on July 26, saying that the demonstration would remain peaceful and those trying to create trouble would face resistance.
The warning came as MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) announced a joint protest in support of students involved in the ongoing movement linked to allegations surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination issue.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Raj Thackeray accused the central government of taking strict action against student protesters and criticised what he described as an inadequate response to their concerns. He said that political parties, including the BJP when it was in opposition, had previously organised protests and demanded accountability from governments over various issues.
Thackeray said that any attempt by troublemakers to enter the protest and create disruption would not be tolerated. He urged such groups to stay away from the demonstration and called on authorities to focus on maintaining peace rather than escalating tensions.
He also claimed that the growing scale of protests had put pressure on the government and argued that discussions should have started earlier to address student concerns.
The upcoming Mumbai protest has received support from several opposition leaders. Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray have backed CJP founder Abhijit Dipke, who is leading the protest movement at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Uddhav Thackeray had recently visited the protest site in Delhi and met with student representatives to express support. Other opposition figures, including Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar, have also extended backing to the student-led demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have introduced restrictions across the city amid concerns over rising public gatherings. Prohibitory orders will remain in effect from July 23 to August 6 under provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act.
The restrictions prohibit gatherings of five or more people, processions, use of loudspeakers and amplified sound systems, musical bands during marches, and bursting of firecrackers during public events.
Authorities said the measures were aimed at maintaining law and order as political groups and supporters prepare for the planned protest in Mumbai.
