Rahul Shewale, a former Member of Parliament from the Shiv Sena party, has called upon Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for immediate government intervention regarding the ongoing strike by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) service. His letter, submitted on June 19, highlighted the pressing need to resolve the situation, especially with the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) taking place on June 21, 2026.

Shewale expressed apprehension that the strike significantly threatens the ability of thousands of students to arrive at their examination venues on time. With a considerable number of medical aspirants depending on public transport, the impasse poses serious logistical challenges leading up to the crucial examination day.

Impact of Strike on Students Preparing for NEET

In his correspondence, Shewale mentioned that lakhs of daily commuters, particularly those intending to sit for the NEET, are finding themselves in precarious circumstances as public bus services remain suspended. He stressed that the reliable operation of BEST buses is critical for students from both Mumbai and its suburban areas.

Noting the significance of the NEET exam for students pursuing a career in medicine, Shewale pointed out that any disruption in transportation could prevent them from taking this vital examination. He conveyed to Chief Minister Fadnavis that immediate remedial actions are necessary to avert any potential barriers to student attendance.

To alleviate the situation, Shewale recommended that the state government implement temporary transportation solutions. He suggested deploying special shuttle services, school buses, or alternative public transport along the affected routes, ensuring that adequate options are available specifically for the exam day, until the strike is resolved.

Call for Dialogue with Stakeholders

Shewale urged the Maharashtra government to initiate urgent negotiations with the BEST management, employee unions, and relevant stakeholders to bring the strike to an end. He believes that a collaborative approach would help in finding a swift resolution.

In his letter, he stressed the importance of addressing the rising anxiety levels among students and their families created by the potential hurdles they face due to the strike. His statement underlined a commitment to ensuring that no student is deprived of their opportunity to participate in such a significant examination due to transportation issues.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Shewale reiterated the necessity for immediate intervention. He asked the Chief Minister and the involved authorities not to delay discussions with stakeholders to alleviate the transport crisis impacting the NEET candidates, thus allowing them to focus on their examinations without additional stress.

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