Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLA Aaditya Thackeray has announced a peaceful, non-partisan demonstration titled "One Nation, One Emotion", urging citizens to assemble at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park (Shivaji Park) on July 24.
The event has been organised in response to the recent police action against student protesters in Delhi, the detention of youth activists, and the alleged use of force against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other Members of Parliament during demonstrations.
The gathering will begin at 4:00 pm, with participants invited to carry the Tricolour. At 5:00 PM, attendees will collectively sing the National Anthem while holding the national flag, symbolising unity and solidarity.
Through his "One Nation, One Emotion" campaign, Thackeray urged citizens to peacefully hold those in power accountable. In a post on X, he said that patriotism goes beyond symbolism and includes speaking up against perceived injustice. He invited individuals, civil society groups, and political parties alike to join the gathering, emphasising that the movement is for everyone who believes in protecting democratic values and securing a better future for the country's youth.
🚨 वन नेशन, वन इमोशन! 🚨
२४ जुलै, शुक्रवार रोजी छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज पार्क येथे आमच्यासोबत सामील व्हा! दुपारी ४ वाजल्यापासून आपण सर्वजण तिरंग्याखाली एकत्र येऊया आणि सायंकाळी ५ वाजता आपले राष्ट्रगीत गाऊया.
दिल्लीतील अमानुष दडपशाही आणि देशभरातील विद्यार्थ्यांच्या अटकेच्या…
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) July 22, 2026
Explaining the purpose of the protest, Thackeray said Maharashtra stands with young people raising their voices on issues affecting the country's future. He called on citizens who support environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, student leader Abhijit Dipke, and the protesters who demonstrated at Jantar Mantar to participate in the peaceful event.
Referring to the recent detention of Rahul Gandhi and other opposition MPs, Thackeray expressed concern over what he described as growing intolerance toward dissent. He argued that if elected representatives could be detained during protests, ordinary citizens could also face similar treatment. He also criticised the reported use of force against both male and female protesters.
Thackeray stressed that the demonstration is not affiliated with any political party and appealed to attendees not to bring party flags. Instead, he urged people from all backgrounds, political beliefs, and professions to unite under the Tricolour in support of democratic values and the rights of young citizens.
The protest also comes amid nationwide concerns over the alleged NEET paper leak, an issue that has sparked demonstrations in several parts of the country. In Mumbai, police had earlier detained protesters who staged an agitation near Shivaji Park without prior permission while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy.
The planned demonstration follows the Sansad Chalo march at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where police reportedly used lathis to disperse protesters. At the same time, videos circulating on social media have purportedly shown some protesters attacking Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, adding to the controversy surrounding the protests.