Sonu Sood, Vir Das, Dia Mirza, Soha Ali Khan lead Bollywood’s support for CJP’s student protest over alleged NEET irregularities
Several members of the film industry have extended their support to the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) youth-led protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where students have been demanding accountability over the alleged NEET irregularities and broader education reforms. As demonstrations intensified during the Monsoon Session, actors Sonu Sood, Vir Das, Dia Mirza, Soha Ali Khan, Aditi Rao Hydari, Aayush Sharma, Rohit Saraf, Prakash Raj, Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh publicly stood in solidarity with the protesters.The march, organised under the banner of ‘Sansad Chalo’, later witnessed clashes between protesters and security personnel as demonstrators attempted to move towards Parliament.
Sonu Sood calls for compassion
Reacting to the developments, Sonu Sood urged authorities to respond with empathy instead of force. Sharing a message on Instagram Stories, he wrote, “Our students don’t need lathis (sticks), they need hands that embrace them (sic).”
Vir Das urges artists to speak up
Actor-comedian Vir Das appealed to fellow performers not to remain silent while young people continue to protest. In his Instagram post, he wrote, “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 (sic).”Das continued, “The sheer luxury of being a silent viewer to what an Indian crowd cares about, and then expecting an Indian crowd to be loud and vocal and care about you. Apna apna dekh lo, lekin mere liye pahunch jaana (Look out for yourselves, but make sure you get there for me). Doesn’t work. The concert economy in India is built on young people gathering in support (sic).”Explaining why he believes the issue goes beyond politics, Vir added, “I get that ‘you’re not political’ which is subtext for ‘I’m really comfortable’. I always look at those statements and think, do you buddy. But today humbly, I’d submit to you that this issue isn’t political or partisan anymore. It’s just about the youth now. And you can support them by platforming what they care about. Beyond that, you do you (sic).”
Aditi Rao Hydari stresses dialogue
Aditi Rao Hydari called for empathy and respectful conversations while reacting to the ongoing protests. Her Instagram post read, “Whatever anyone’s political preferences may be, humanity must come above all.”She further wrote, “We must ensure a safe environment built on respect, dignity, and empathy for all our brave students, and for all the determined voices seeking to be heard, with a genuine commitment to constructive dialogue. Listening to one another is the foundation of meaningful progress. Our students are our future (sic).”
Dia Mirza condemns use of force
Dia Mirza criticised the use of force against demonstrators, saying the day’s events reflected deeper concerns about the treatment of peaceful protesters. She wrote, “Today has been a day that has revealed many truths. A day thousands of people showed up to mark their protest demanding accountability, transparency and reform for the education system (sic).”Continuing her statement, the actor added, “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 (sic).”
Soha Ali Khan praises fearless youth
Expressing solidarity with the students, Soha Ali Khan applauded the younger generation for raising their voices. She wrote, “The future belongs to the young. May they always have the freedom to question, the courage to speak, and the space to protest peacefully. Jai Hind (sic).”
Aayush Sharma and Rohit Saraf extend support
Backing the protest, Aayush Sharma highlighted the importance of listening to citizens in a democracy. He said, “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.”Meanwhile, Rohit Saraf praised the resilience of those participating in the agitation.Sharing his thoughts, he wrote, “Today’s been gut-wrenching, but I know one thing..not just our nation, the entire world is listening. It’s the sound of a future that feels brighter despite the uncertainty of today (sic).”
Protest demands education reforms
The demonstration was organised to coincide with the beginning of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Protesters demanded nationwide education reforms and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination irregularities.As the march advanced towards Parliament, confrontations broke out between protesters and security personnel.
Memorandum submitted to JP Nadda
A delegation representing the CJP later met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and submitted a memorandum outlining three principal demands. These included the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk from hospital care, the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the examination paper leak.
More celebrities join the movement
Actor Prakash Raj also participated in the CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march in Delhi. Addressing the gathering, he waved a copy of the Constitution while expressing support for the students over the alleged NEET irregularities. Go to Source
