5,000 Join Mumbai Tricolour Protest At Shivaji Park

On Friday, over 5,000 people, mostly youngsters, gathered at Mumbai's Shivaji Park to join a nationwide protest demanding educational reforms in the country. The protest, which marked its fifth consecutive day, saw citizens waving the Indian tricolour and singing the national anthem.

The demonstration was organised by Vidyarthi-Yuva Sena near the Masaheb Minatai Thackeray statue at Shivtirth near Shivaji Park. Protesters began gathering at the venue from 4 pm onwards and registered their protest by singing the national anthem and waving placards.

Although the protest was supposed to be dispersed after the national anthem, protesters continued to remain at the site and raise slogans until 7 pm. The protest was attended by prominent figures, including Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, MLA Aaditya Thackeray, and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray's son Amit Thackeray.

However, participating students clarified that the protest was not in support of any political party but was solely aimed at demanding reforms in the education system and accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) also continued its 'Ek Sahi Pathinbyachi' (One Signature of Support) campaign in Mumbai to express solidarity with the students' movement.

The campaign reached Shivaji Park, where MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande appealed to citizens to participate in large numbers. He also visited the Wadala TT police station to extend support to students who had been detained by the police.

Mumbai Police deployed heavy security in view of the demonstration, with Additional Commissioner of Police Vikram Deshmane, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Deepali Dhate, and other senior officers from Shivaji Park and Dadar police divisions remaining present at the venue.

Senior officials continuously monitored crowd management, traffic arrangements, and the protest route. Meanwhile, the police booked five people for violating prohibitory orders for participating in a demonstration at Tilak Nagar.

The nationwide protests, which began on Monday, are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak, justice for student protesters who faced police action, and larger educational reforms.

The protests have gained significant attention, with students from different parts of Mumbai echoing the sentiments of Jantar Mantar and joining the spontaneous protests at Shivaji Park daily.

The issue of educational reforms has been a long-standing concern in the country, with many students and citizens demanding changes to the current system. The recent NEET paper leak has further highlighted the need for reforms, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency in the education sector.

The protests are likely to continue, with students and citizens remaining determined to bring about change in the education system.

In conclusion, the protest at Shivaji Park is a significant development in the ongoing nationwide protests demanding educational reforms. The large turnout of protesters and the participation of prominent figures highlight the importance of this issue and the need for urgent action to address the concerns of students and citizens.