Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday questioned actors Vivek Oberoi and R. Madhavan over residing in Dubai despite publicly praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led central government.

Addressing an event organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena, the student wing of the MNS, in Mumbai, Thackeray criticised the Centre and claimed that many industrialists had left the country over the years.

Raj Thackeray questions actors over Dubai residence

During his speech, Thackeray referred to Vivek Oberoi, who portrayed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2019 biographical film based on the Prime Minister’s life, and questioned why he now lives in Dubai.

He also mentioned actor R. Madhavan, saying that if those who praise the Prime Minister believe India has progressed significantly under his leadership, they should explain why they have chosen to reside abroad with their families.

Thackeray further alleged that actors participate in government-backed projects in India before returning overseas.

While responding to similar questions in the past, R. Madhavan has said he relocated to Dubai during the Covid-19 pandemic to support his son’s swimming career. Vivek Oberoi has previously stated that he moved to Dubai to expand his business interests.

Comments on language used during CJP protests

The MNS chief also commented on the abusive language used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent appeal that “misguided children” should be forgiven and guided in the right direction, Thackeray said he agreed that abusive language should not be used against anyone. However, he added that members and supporters of the BJP should also refrain from using similar language against political opponents.

He alleged that BJP troll groups have targeted several leaders and public figures, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and members of the Thackeray family. According to him, trolling has discouraged many actors from expressing their views publicly.

Thackeray said that respect should be maintained in political discourse and that abusive language directed at anyone should be avoided.

Says NEET issue became trigger for wider discontent

Speaking about the ongoing CJP protests, Raj Thackeray said the alleged NEET paper leak issue served as the immediate trigger, but the large public response reflected broader grievances that had accumulated over the years.

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the proposed delimitation exercise, alleging that it is aimed at weakening Tamil Nadu’s political influence. He urged all political parties, irrespective of ideology, to oppose the proposed legislation in Parliament.

Addressing reporters, the Congress MP claimed the delimitation process was designed to reduce the political strength of Tamil Nadu and appealed to every political party to unite against the proposal.

Rahul Gandhi alleges conspiracy against Tamil Nadu

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attempting to use delimitation to diminish the political representation of Tamil Nadu.

“There is an attempt by the BJP to carry out delimitation. Delimitation is designed to disenfranchise people and take away the political power of the people of Tamil Nadu. This is a BJP conspiracy,” he said.

He further asserted that anyone supporting the proposed delimitation exercise was “betraying Tamil Nadu” and compromising the state’s future.

Invokes ‘Ettappan’ to criticise supporters

Drawing a historical parallel, Rahul Gandhi referred to Ettappan, a figure traditionally viewed in Tamil culture as a symbol of betrayal, to criticise those backing the proposal.

He described supporters of the delimitation exercise as “21st-century Ettappans” and said no Tamil should support the move.

“Every Tamil person should oppose delimitation. Every Tamil party and every national party should defeat delimitation in the House,” he said.

Debate linked to proposed constitutional amendment

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks come amid speculation that the Centre could reintroduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill during the ongoing Parliament session.

According to the discussions surrounding the proposal, the Bill seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha to as many as 850 seats and facilitate the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which provides 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures.

The speculation has gained momentum following recent political developments and party realignments ahead of the Monsoon Session.

DMK raises concerns over southern states’ representation

Amid the ongoing debate, reports have suggested that the DMK has softened its position on the proposal if the representation of southern states remains unaffected.

DMK leader TKS Elangovan said the government was again attempting to bring the delimitation proposal linked to women’s reservation before Parliament. He added that while political parties have different suggestions, the number of Lok Sabha seats allocated to southern states should not be reduced.

India’s public examination system requires structural reforms that prevent paper leaks instead of relying solely on stricter punishments after the damage is done, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said while participating in the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said millions of students and their families invest years of effort, financial resources and emotional commitment into competitive examinations, making the credibility of the examination process critical.

Tharoor says students deserve a fair and secure examination system

Tharoor said students appearing for examinations such as NEET, JEE and UGC-NET carry far more than an admit card into the examination hall.

He noted that families often spend significant savings on education, coaching and study material while students devote years of preparation in pursuit of professional opportunities. According to him, a paper leak undermines not only an examination but also the hard work and sacrifices made by candidates and their families.

While acknowledging the proposed legislation’s tougher penalties, including lengthy imprisonment and heavy financial penalties for those involved in paper leaks, Tharoor argued that punishment comes only after students have already suffered the consequences.

Calls for reforms beyond stricter penalties

The Congress leader said every paper leak points to deeper weaknesses within the country’s examination system rather than being an isolated incident.

He stressed that Parliament’s objective should be to prevent such incidents altogether through stronger safeguards instead of focusing primarily on punitive measures.

Tharoor also questioned whether the judicial system would be able to consistently deliver speedy trials under the proposed fast-track provisions included in the legislation.

Suggests multiple exam attempts through computer-based testing

Advocating long-term reforms, Tharoor proposed moving away from the existing model in which a student’s future often depends on a single high-stakes examination.

He suggested introducing continuous computer-based entrance examinations with multiple attempts during the year, allowing candidates to submit their best score for admissions. According to him, such a system could reduce stress, accommodate emergencies, strengthen examination integrity and minimise the risk of paper leaks.

Raises concern over competition and student mental health

Highlighting the intense competition for professional education, Tharoor said the large gap between the number of aspirants and available seats contributes to the pressure surrounding entrance examinations.

He also expressed concern over student suicides, saying these figures represent individual lives and families affected by the immense stress associated with competitive examinations.

Calling for broader educational reforms, Tharoor said India needs more quality institutions, increased professional education seats and multiple pathways to higher education so that a single examination does not determine a student’s future.

Concluding his remarks, he said the responsibility of students is to prepare sincerely, while the responsibility of the system is to ensure that their preparation is rewarded through a fair, credible and secure examination process. He added that although the proposed legislation is likely to be passed, broader reforms are necessary to restore confidence in India’s public examination system.