Speaking in his trademark style, Raj Thackeray said the younger generation had forced the government to acknowledge public sentiment.

"Gen Z has shaken the government and brought it down to the ground," he remarked, describing the protests as a defining moment for young people across the country.

According to Thackeray, the resignation of the Education Minister reflects the impact of sustained public pressure and the determination shown by students and youth protesting against the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Calls It a Victory for Youth

Raj Thackeray congratulated the protesters and said the movement had achieved a significant milestone.

He credited the youth for maintaining pressure on the government despite repeated challenges and said leaders who had initially dismissed the protests were eventually forced to respond.

Thackeray also acknowledged the role of protest leader Abhijeet Deepke, saying his contribution had been crucial in mobilizing students and keeping the movement alive.

Support for Protest to Continue

Although Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned, Raj Thackeray made it clear that support for the protest movement would continue.

He said any future decisions taken by protest leaders, including Abhijeet Deepke, would receive his party's full backing. According to him, the public anger has now gone beyond a single minister and reflects broader concerns over accountability in governance.

Joint Rally With Uddhav Thackeray to Proceed

Raj Thackeray also confirmed that the planned joint march with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray would go ahead despite the minister's resignation.

The rally is scheduled to assemble at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, where both leaders are expected to address supporters and express solidarity with students demanding education reforms and greater transparency in examinations.

Responds to Speculation on New Education Minister

Asked about speculation that Maharashtra could produce the next Union Education Minister, Raj Thackeray declined to comment on reports linking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to the post.

He said such discussions remain speculative and that any decision would only become clear after the central leadership makes an official announcement.

Thackeray also remarked that political developments in New Delhi have gathered pace, but said there was little value in commenting until the government formally reveals its plans.

Political Significance

Raj Thackeray's remarks come at a time when the NEET paper leak protests have evolved into a nationwide youth movement, prompting multiple rounds of dialogue between protest leaders and the Centre. With the resignation of the Education Minister, attention has now shifted to the remaining demands of the protesters and the government's next course of action.