Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh has come out in support of the youth demonstrations of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the demand for radical educational reforms. His statement follows Monday’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, where clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel.The ongoing movement has also centered around Ladakhi activists Sonam Wangchukthe 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 the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities.
Diljit Dosanjh he says the criticism won’t stop him from speaking
Through a series of Instagram stories, Diljit urged the authorities to pay attention to the students instead of suppressing their voices. The actor also admitted that he expects to be labeled “anti-national” again for taking a public stand, recalling the criticism and legal problems he says he faced after supporting the 2020-21 farmers’ movement.He wrote: “What happened today was very wrong. The students should not have been treated like this. I ask the authorities to listen to the demands of the students. 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 called ‘anti-national’ many times. Even now, I know that 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 over everything.” May Baba bless everyone (sic).”
The CJP’s march to Parliament becomes controversial
Despite heavy rains, thousands of people gathered at Jantar Mantar before starting their march to Parliament. As roads surrounding the protest site were sealed off, groups of protesters tried to move through central Delhi using alternate routes and inner lanes as they tried to cross multiple barricades. The situation turned into a standoff, with security personnel resorting to tear gas shells and a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Three demands raised earlier JP Nadda
After the protest, a delegation of the CJP met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and submitted a written memorandum listing three main demands. The memorandum demanded immediate release of Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital, resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly committed suicide after the exam paper was leaked.Government sources maintained that no compromise was made on these demands. However, Nadda reportedly appealed to the protesters to withdraw their sit-in and cooperate with the administration.
Sonam Wangchuk refuses to end fast indefinitely
As stated by India Today, speaking from Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk reaffirmed his decision to continue the fast. He said, “Seeing the brutality with which the youth who are protesting peacefully are being treated, I have decided to continue my fast till the youth leaders are allowed to meet the MPs at the Sansad Bhawan or I am allowed to meet them here at the hospital.”He also said he was “touched and moved” by the restraint shown by protesters despite what he described as repeated provocation. Wangchuk also appealed to the police and the government to allow the students to present their concerns to Parliament.Earlier, he had indicated that he would end his fast only if the government fixed responsibility for the alleged failures of the education system or if political leaders assured him that the issue would be raised during the monsoon session. Supporters have continued to allege that Wangchuk is being held under “illegal detention,” a charge authorities have denied.Although demonstrations continue in different parts of the country, the central government has not publicly addressed the unrest. Meanwhile, the opposition parties have continued to increase the 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 supported the movement. Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh publicly expressed their solidarity with the protesters, with Riteish saying that young voices deserve to be heard “loud, clear and fearless”.Actors Sonu Sood, Vir DasSoha Ali Khan and Dia Mirza also shared messages of support for the agitation on social media. Writer Sutapa Sikdar highlighted the economic struggles of many student participants in the protest. In his post, he wrote that several had arrived “with 20 rupees in their pockets” and “full of hope” as they demanded accountability.Videos from the protest site also featured veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj supporting the students. On the other hand, actor-politicians Kangana Ranaut and Hema Malini expressed their support for the central government.
Why Diljit Dosanjh referred to the ‘anti-national’ tag.
Diljit linked his latest comments 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 stance drew harsh criticism from sections of political leaders and social media users, many of whom labeled him “anti-national”.The actor has consistently maintained that standing with farmers or raising the concerns of citizens should never be interpreted as going against the nation.During a recent live interaction with fans, Diljit also addressed the rumors about his alleged US citizenship. Asked if he had obtained a Green Card, he responded humorously without confirming or denying the reports.“I’ll take a card and paint it green. I don’t say anything. Sab chhodke ye news ban jayegi. It can’t happen like this; it will never happen. The drama of the world will never end, but I say it all… Everyone should be able to go to any country without a visa. The whole world should become one. I’m fine, but it’s not possible like this, is it?” he saidEarlier, a report by The Indian Express claimed that Dosanjh acquired US citizenship in 2022, was traveling on a US passport since then and had entered India on an e-visa from September 2022.
Diljit Dosanjh talks about ‘Satluj’
In the same live session, Diljit also spoke about his recent film ‘Satluj’, which was removed by ZEE5 within just 48 hours of its release. In the film, the actor played human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed the alleged illegal killings and secret cremations that took place in Punjab during the era of militancy.Talking about the project, Diljit said that he could not openly discuss various issues related to both the film and its release. He also pointed out that the incidents described in ‘Satluj’ took place in 1995, when, according to him, people were allegedly not allowed to talk about them. The actor further remarked that he believes little has changed over the years, suggesting that similar limitations continue today.