Diljit Dosanjh says he’ll be called ‘anti-national’ again after backing CJP’s student protest over alleged NEET irregularities: ‘Students should not have been treated like this’
Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has come out in support of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) youth-led demonstrations over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the demand for sweeping education reforms. His statement follows Monday’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar towards Parliament during the opening day of the Monsoon Session, where clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel.The ongoing movement has also centred around Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk, the face of the agitation, who continues his indefinite fast and is currently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. Along with seeking reforms in the education system, the protesters have demanded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged examination irregularities.
Diljit Dosanjh says criticism will not stop him from speaking
Through a series of Instagram Stories, Diljit urged the authorities to pay attention to students instead of suppressing their voices. The actor also admitted that he expects to once again be labelled “anti-national” for taking a public stand, recalling the criticism and legal troubles he claims to have faced after supporting the 2020-21 farmers’ movement.He wrote, “What happened today was very wrong. Students should not have been treated like this. I request the authorities to listen to the students’ demands. The voice of the people is the voice of God (sic).”Reflecting on the consequences of his earlier activism, he added, “I have already been labelled an ‘anti-national’ many times. Even now, I know I will be called anti-national again. After the farmers’ protest, I faced a lot of backlash and legal problems that I still cannot even discuss. The rest, God is watching everything. May Baba bless everyone (sic).”
CJP’s march to Parliament turns confrontational
Despite heavy rainfall, thousands gathered at Jantar Mantar before beginning their march towards Parliament. As roads surrounding the protest venue were sealed, groups of demonstrators attempted to move through central Delhi using alternative routes and inner lanes while trying to cross multiple barricades. The situation escalated into a confrontation, with security personnel resorting to tear gas shells and a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Three demands placed before JP Nadda
Following the protest, a CJP delegation met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and submitted a written memorandum listing three major demands. The memorandum sought Sonam Wangchuk’s immediate release from Safdarjung Hospital, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide after the reported examination paper leak.Government sources maintained that no commitment was made regarding these demands. However, Nadda reportedly appealed to the protesters to withdraw their sit-in and cooperate with the administration.
Sonam Wangchuk refuses to end indefinite fast
As stated by India Today, speaking from Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk reaffirmed his decision to continue fasting. He said, “Seeing the brutality with which peacefully protesting youth are being dealt with, I have decided to continue my fast until the youth leaders are allowed to meet the parliamentarians at the Sansad Bhawan or I am allowed to meet them here at the hospital.”He further said he was “touched and moved” by the restraint shown by the protesters despite what he described as repeated provocation. Wangchuk also appealed to the police and the government to permit students to present their concerns before Parliament.Earlier, he had indicated he would end his fast only if the government fixed accountability for the alleged failures in the education system or if political leaders assured him that the issue would be raised during the Monsoon Session. Supporters have continued alleging that Wangchuk is being held under “illegal detention”, a charge that authorities have denied.Even as demonstrations continue in different parts of the country, the central government has not publicly addressed the agitation. Meanwhile, opposition parties have continued to increase pressure by openly supporting the students and their demands.
Bollywood celebrities rally behind students
Diljit’s statement adds to a growing list of film personalities who have voiced support for the movement. Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh publicly expressed solidarity with the protesters, with Riteish saying young voices deserved to be heard “loud, clear, and without fear.”Actors Sonu Sood, Vir Das, Soha Ali Khan and Dia Mirza also shared messages backing the agitation on social media. Writer Sutapa Sikdar highlighted the economic struggles of many students participating in the protest. In her post, she wrote that several had arrived “with 20 rupees in their pocket” and “full of hope” while seeking accountability.Videos from the protest site also showed veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj extending support to the students. On the other hand, actor-politicians Kangana Ranaut and Hema Malini expressed support for the central government.
Why Diljit Dosanjh referred to the ‘anti-national’ tag
Diljit connected his latest remarks to the criticism he received during the 2020-21 farmers’ protests. At the time, he had publicly supported the farmers’ movement, advocated peaceful dialogue and visited the protest site to express solidarity. His position triggered sharp criticism from sections of political leaders and social media users, many of whom branded him “anti-national.”The actor has consistently maintained that standing with farmers or raising citizens’ concerns should never be interpreted as being against the nation.During a recent live interaction with fans, Diljit also addressed rumours surrounding his alleged US citizenship. Asked whether he had obtained a Green Card, he responded humorously without confirming or denying the reports.”I’ll take a card and colour it green. I’m not saying anything. Sab chhodke ye news ban jayegi. It is not possible to happen like this; it will never happen. The drama of the world will never end, but I say all… Everyone should be allowed to go to any country without a visa. The whole world should become one. I am fine, but it is not possible like this, is it?” he said.Earlier, a report by The Indian Express claimed that Dosanjh acquired US citizenship in 2022, had been travelling on a US passport since then and had been entering India on an e-visa from September 2022 onwards.
Diljit Dosanjh opens up about ‘Satluj’
In the same live session, Diljit also discussed his recent film ‘Satluj’, which ZEE5 removed within just 48 hours of its release. In the film, the actor portrayed human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed the alleged illegal killings and secret cremations that occurred in Punjab during the militancy era.Speaking about the project, Diljit said he could not openly discuss several issues connected to both the film and its release. He also pointed out that the incidents depicted in ‘Satluj’ took place in 1995, when, according to him, people were allegedly not allowed to speak about them. The actor further remarked that he believes little has changed over the years, suggesting that similar constraints continue even today. Go to Source
