Bollywood Celebrities Rally Behind Youth-Led CJP Protest at Jantar Mantar Over NEET Irregularities
Several prominent Bollywood personalities, including Sonu Sood, Vir Das, Soha Ali Khan, and Dia Mirza, have expressed solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) youth-led protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The demonstration, staged to mark the beginning of the Parliament's Monsoon Session, aimed to demand nationwide education reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET irregularities.
The protest witnessed clashes between security forces and demonstrators as the "Chalo Sansad" march attempted to move toward the Parliament building. Amid the rising tensions, a CJP delegation met with Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday. The delegation submitted a memorandum detailing three primary demands: the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk from hospital care, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Rs 1 crore in compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide following the paper leak.
Actors Condemn Use of Force and Call for Dialogue
Expressing his support on Instagram, actor Sonu Sood wrote, "Our students don't need lathis (sticks), they need hands that embrace them." His statement highlighted the growing concern over the handling of the student-led demonstration by security personnel.
Actor Dia Mirza strongly condemned the actions of the security forces, noting that thousands of people had gathered peacefully to demand accountability, transparency, and reform in the education system. "A day when the forces that are duty bound to protect it's citizens used brute force on them including women and children in reaction to their peaceful protest. Hopeful and angry," she shared on her Instagram story.
Actor Aditi Rao Hydari emphasized the necessity of constructive dialogue, stating that humanity must rise above political preferences. She urged for a safe environment built on respect, dignity, and empathy for the students, adding, "Listening to one another is the foundation of meaningful progress. Our students are our future."
Artists Urged to Support the Youth
Actor-comedian Vir Das addressed the artistic community directly, urging live performers to use their platforms to support the young demonstrators. He criticized the silence of some public figures, stating, "If you’re an Indian live artist. I hope you understand the sheer hypocrisy of not speaking up for young people, and then trying to sell them tickets later." He added that the issue is no longer political or partisan, but is fundamentally about the youth.
Actor Soha Ali Khan also praised the courage of the young protesters, writing, "The future belongs to the young. May they always have the freedom to question, the courage to speak, and the space to protest peacefully." Meanwhile, actor-couple Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh extended their support by calling the youth the "architects of democracy."
Protest Demands and Political Engagement
Actor Prakash Raj actively joined the CJP's Chalo Sansad march in the national capital. After addressing the gathered protesters regarding the alleged NEET irregularities, he waved a copy of the Constitution in solidarity with the movement.
Actor Aayush Sharma viewed the government's interaction with the students as a positive step, stating, "The sign of a healthy democracy is not voting but the voice of its people. Whether students or any citizen of the country raise their voice, then it needs to be heard, not repressed. Today the government had a dialogue with students. This is a victory of all those who are courageously standing at Jantar Mantar."
Other young actors, including Rohit Saraf and Ahsaas Channa, also shared messages of solidarity. Saraf admired the "extraordinary courage" of the protesters, while Channa expressed that her heart was breaking for those at the protest, calling them immensely courageous.
