actor singer Diljit Dosanjh has come out in support of youth-led demonstrations by the Cockroach Jantar Party (CJP) against alleged irregularities in NEET exams and demands for comprehensive education reforms. Clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel as the ‘Sansad Chalo’ marched towards Parliament from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on the opening day of the monsoon session on Monday.The ongoing campaign also centers on Ladakh activists Sonam WangchukHe continues to fast indefinitely in the face of the uproar and is currently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. While seeking reforms in the education system, protesters are also demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.
Diljit Dosanje Says criticism won’t stop him from speaking
Through a series of Instagram stories, Diljit urged authorities to focus on students instead of silencing their voices. The actor also admitted that he expected to be labeled “anti-national” again for his public stance, recalling the criticism and legal trouble he claimed to have faced after supporting the farmers’ movement in 2020-21.“What happened today is very wrong. Students should not be treated like this. I request the authorities to listen to the students. The voice of the people is the voice of God (sic),” he wrote.Reflecting on the consequences of his early activism, he added, “I have been labeled ‘anti-national’ many times. Even now, I know I will be called anti-national again. After the farmers’ protests, I faced a lot of backlash and legal issues that I still cannot discuss. The rest, God is watching everything.” May Baba bless you all (sic). “
CJP march to Parliament turns into confrontation
Despite heavy rainfall, thousands of people gathered at Jantar Mantar before starting a march to Parliament. As roads around the protest site were blocked, groups of demonstrators attempted to cross central Delhi using alternative routes and internal lanes while trying to negotiate multiple roadblocks. The situation escalated into a confrontation, with security personnel using tear gas shells and lathi charges to disperse the crowd.
The three demands raised previously JP Nada
After the protest, a CJP delegation met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and submitted a written memorandum setting out three main demands. The memorandum demanded the immediate release of Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a compensation of Rs one crore to the family of the NEET aspirant who allegedly committed suicide after the question paper was leaked.Government sources insist no commitments have been made to the demands. However, Nadda reportedly called on protesters to withdraw the sit-in and cooperate with the government.
Sonam Wangchuk refuses to fast indefinitely
According to India Today, Wangchuck reiterated his decision to continue fasting while speaking at Safdarjung Hospital. “Seeing the brutal treatment being meted out to the peacefully protesting youth, I decided to continue the fast until the youth leaders are allowed to meet the MPs at Sansad Bhawan or I am allowed to meet them at the hospital,” he said.He further said he was “moved and moved” by the restraint shown by protesters despite their repeated provocations. Wangchuck also called on the police and government to allow students to express their concerns to parliament.Earlier, he had said he would end his fast only if the government holds the government accountable for the alleged failings of the education system or political leaders assure him that the issue will be raised during the monsoon session. Supporters continued to claim Wangchuck was “illegally detained”, a charge denied by authorities.While demonstrations continue across the country, the central government has yet to publicly respond to the unrest. Meanwhile, opposition parties continue to increase pressure and publicly support students and their demands.
Bollywood celebrities rally in support of students
Diljit’s statement adds to the growing number of people in the film industry expressing support for the movement. Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh publicly expressed solidarity with the protesters, with Riteish saying the voices of young people should be “loud, clear and without fear.”Actor Sonu Sood, WildasSoha Ali Khan and Dia Mirza also shared messages of support for the unrest on social media. Author Sutapa Sikdar highlighted the financial plight of many students participating in the protests. She wrote in the post that some arrived “with 20 rupees in their pockets” and “full of hope” while seeking accountability.Video from the protest scene also shows veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj for providing support to students. On the other hand, actor-politician Kangana Ranaut Hema Malini expressed support for the central government.
Why Diljit Dosanjh mentioned ‘anti-national’ tag
Diljit linked his latest remarks to the criticism he received during the farmers’ protests in 2020-21. At that time, he publicly supported the peasant movement, advocated peaceful dialogue, and personally visited the protest site to express solidarity. His stance prompted sharp criticism from some political leaders and social media users, many of whom called him “anti-national”.The actor has always maintained that standing with farmers or raising concerns of citizens should never be construed as being against the state.In a recent live interaction with fans, Diljit also addressed rumors surrounding his alleged US citizenship. When asked if he had received a green card, he responded humorously, without confirming or denying the reports.“I would take a card and color it green. I said nothing. Sab chhodke ye news ban jayegi. Such a thing cannot happen; it will never happen. The drama of the world will never end but what I am saying is… everyone should be allowed to travel to any country without a visa. The whole world should become one. I am fine but that can’t be the case, is it?” he said.Previously, a report in the “Indian Express” stated that Dosanjh obtained U.S. citizenship in 2022 and has been traveling on a U.S. passport since then and entered India on an electronic visa from September 2022.
Diljit Dosanjh talks ‘Satluj’
In the same live session, Diljit also discussed his recent film Satluj, which was removed by ZEE5 within 48 hours of its release. In the film, the actor plays human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposes alleged illegal killings and secret cremations that took place during the militancy period in Punjab.Talking about the project, Diljit said that he could not openly discuss several issues related to the film and its release. He also pointed out that the events described in “Satluj” took place in 1995 and, according to him, people were allegedly not allowed to talk about them at that time. The actor further stated that he believes little has changed over the years, suggesting that similar restrictions still exist even today.