Uddhav Thackeray Criticizes Central Government's Treatment of Youth Protests
Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), has sharply criticized the central government for its treatment of youth protests, likening recent police actions to historical atrocities. He argues that Generation Z has effectively challenged the government, yet they face brutal oppression instead of support. Thackeray questions the Prime Minister's engagement with the youth, highlighting a disconnect between leadership and the younger generation. He emphasizes the growing anger among youth and their unwillingness to listen to government leaders, calling for a significant overhaul of the current political system. This article delves into Thackeray's strong statements and the implications for youth activism in India.
Aug 8, 2026, 15:27 IST
Thackeray's Strong Condemnation of Government Actions
Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), launched a fierce critique against the central government on Saturday. He drew parallels between the police's alleged actions against student protesters and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, asserting that Generation Z has brought the government to its knees. Speaking to the media, the former Chief Minister accused the administration of responding to the aspirations of the youth with extreme and ruthless measures. Thackeray emphasized that discussions are ongoing about how Gen Z has managed to challenge the government. Instead of supporting this generation, they have faced excessive and brutal oppression... What is happening in the country... What is occurring with the youth, who are being targeted with pellet guns and beaten with sticks like in Jallianwala Bagh? Today, the entire opposition and the nation are demanding answers from the Prime Minister and the Home Minister: 'Why are you oppressing the youth?' However, the Prime Minister shows no intention to speak, and the Home Minister lacks the courage! The entire system needs to be overhauled.
Critique of Prime Minister's Engagement with Youth
Thackeray sharply criticized the Prime Minister's selective meetings, claiming that the top leadership has time for those who switch political parties but avoids engaging with protesting youth.
He stated that the Prime Minister meets with traitors but not with the students of the younger generation. Rebel MPs from Shiv Sena have approached the Prime Minister... Do you not have time to meet those young individuals who are protesting for justice and rights? Yet, shamelessly, you meet with traitors and tell them, 'I am with you'? Modi reassures these traitors, saying, 'Do not fear, I am with you.' This message should have been directed towards the youth, but the Prime Minister has no time to respond to these students.
Concerns Over Government's Disconnect with Reality
Referring to the current government as an 'Instagram government,' Thackeray questioned the lack of real-world connection between leadership and students. He further remarked that the Prime Minister does not meet with youth at midnight... hence, they resort to sending messages on Instagram. When I used to go live on Facebook, people accused me of preaching, and now they have to run the government on Instagram. He has achieved what Congress could not... Congress has never faced the humiliation that this government is enduring. Mentioning RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's attempts to reach out to 'Gen Z,' the UBT leader claimed that the younger generation is no longer interested in the RSS leadership's messages.
Youth's Discontent and Government's Response
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader stated that the youth are unwilling to listen to Mohan Bhagwat. We have heard the responses from students after listening to his speeches. He added, 'The youth of the country are now angry, and no matter how hard Modi tries, they are not willing to listen to him.'