The back-to-back programmes at colleges marks a fresh push to expand the MNS’s student network. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Taking a cue from the youth mobilisation witnessed at Jantar Mantar, the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena president, Amit Thackeray , on Monday inaugurated four new student-wing units in the city, signalling an attempt by the opposition to reconnect with the younger generation, and rebuild its organisational base.
Meanwhile, the govt appears to be struggling to respond to issues being raised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), particularly those concerning the condition of govt-run schools, even as the administration has directed officials to focus on school repairs.
Against this backdrop, Amit Thackeray’s initiative appears aimed at building a fresh youth network and identifying issues, that could help the opposition regain its connect with the younger generation. It also reflects an attempt to test whether the energy seen around Jantar Mantar can be translated into sustained political mobilisation at the grassroots through college-level units.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray is also expected to tour Marathwada in September, while Uddhav Thackeray is likely to visit the region on Sept 17, on the occasion of Marathwada Liberation Day.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had initially described the Jantar Mantar protest as the “grammar of anarchy,” but subsequently recognised the need to engage with its young participants. His outreach comes amid efforts by political parties to engage with the youth, after the Jantar Mantar agitation and Rahul Gandhi ’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Pune. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has since held an interaction with the youth, while BJP leaders have also stepped up their outreach. CM Devendra Fadnavis too, has entered the field of youth engagement after Rahul Gandhi’s Pune programme.
