Actor-partner Riteish Deshmukh i Genelia Deshmukh have voiced their support for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest, joining a growing list of film personalities supporting the youth-led movement in Delhi. His message came as students gathered at Jantar Mantar to demand education reforms across the country and worry about alleged NEET irregularities. Apart from the couple, actors Bhumi Pednekar, Huma Qureshi, Nandita Das, veteran actor Shabana Azmi and screenwriter Sutapa Sikdar also stood in solidarity with the protesters.
Riteish and Genelia call the youth the future of the nation
Taking to X, Riteish shared a joint message on behalf of himself and Genelia, urging people to stand with the country’s youth and recognize the importance of their voices.The post said: “We stand in solidarity with the youth of our country. Their voices deserve to be heard, loud, clear and fearless. They are the heartbeat of our democracy and the true architects of our nation’s future (sic).”The statement further added, “Let us listen, support and empower them. The energy, courage and dreams of our youth will shape the India we aspire to build. Jai Hind. Genelia & Riteish Deshmukh #YouthOfIndia #VoiceOfTheYouth #FutureOfOurNation (sic).”
Protest centers for educational reforms
The demonstration was organized on the day of the opening of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session. The protesters demanded reforms in the education system and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. As the march progressed towards Parliament, clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel.
CJP delegation meets JP Nadda
After the protest, a delegation of the CJP met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and submitted a memorandum highlighting three main demands. These included the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk from hospital care, the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly committed suicide after the exam paper was leaked.
Shabana Azmi fell ill
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi was also present at the protest in support of the students. During the meeting, the 75-year-old actor felt unwell.Videos circulating from the protest site showed volunteers and security personnel helping Shabana after she appeared to faint. She was later escorted to a nearby security booth for medical attention.