Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh came out in support of the youth-led demonstrations of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and to demand for education reforms. His statement followed the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march on Monday from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to Parliament during the opening day of the Monsoon Session, where clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel.The ongoing movement is also centered around Ladakhi activists Sonam Wangchukthe face of trouble, who continues his indefinite fast and is currently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. Along with seeking reforms in the education system, the protesters demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.
Diljit Dosanjh: saying that criticism does not 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 hoped to be called “anti-national” again for taking a public stance, recalling the criticism and legal trouble he admitted to facing after supporting the 2020-21 farmers’ movement.He wrote, “What happened today is 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 been labeled as ‘anti-national’ many times. Even now, I know that I will be called anti-national again. After the farmers’ protest, I faced many backlashes and legal problems that I cannot even talk about. The rest, God sees everything. May Baba bless all (sic).”
The CJP’s march to Parliament turned into a confrontation
Despite heavy rain, thousands gathered at Jantar Mantar before starting their march towards Parliament. As roads surrounding the protest site were sealed off, groups of demonstrators tried to move through central Delhi using alternative routes and internal passages while trying to cross several 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 are put forward: JP Nadda
Following the protest, a delegation of the CJP met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and submitted a written memorandum listing three major demands. The memorandum demanded the immediate release of Sonam Wangchuk 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 following the reported examination paper leak.Government sources remain uncommitted about these demands. However, Nadda reportedly asked the protesters to withdraw their seat and cooperate with the administration.
Sonam Wangchuk refuses to end the indefinite fast
As reported by India Today, speaking from Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk also confirmed his decision to continue fasting. He said, “Seeing the brutality that peaceful protesting youth are facing, I have decided to continue my fast until the youth leaders are allowed to meet the parliamentarians at Sansad Bhawan or I am allowed to meet them here at the hospital.”He added that he was “touched and touched” by the restraint shown by the protesters despite what he described as repeated provocations. Wangchuk also appealed to the police and government to allow the students to present their concerns in Parliament.Earlier, he had indicated that he would end his fast only if the government was held accountable 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 continue to say Wangchuk is being held under “illegal detention”, a charge denied by the authorities.Although demonstrations continued in various parts of the country, the central government did not publicly declare the unrest. Meanwhile, the opposition parties continue to increase the pressure by openly supporting the students and their demands.
Bollywood celebrities rally behind the students
Diljit’s statement adds to the growing list of film personalities who have expressed support for the movement. Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh publicly expressed solidarity with the protesters, with Riteish saying that young voices deserve to be heard “loud, clear, and fearless.”Actors Sonu Sood, Vir Das:Soha Ali Khan and Dia Mirza also shared messages of support for the trouble on social media. Writer Sutapa Sikdar highlighted the economic struggles of many students who participated in the protest. In his post, he wrote that many came “with 20 rupees in their pocket” and “full of hope” while seeking accountability.Videos from the protest site also feature veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj who provided support to the students. On the other hand, actor-politician Kangana Ranaut and Hema Malini expressed support for the central government.
Why is Diljit Dosanjh targeting the ‘anti-national’ tag?
Diljit connected his latest statements to the criticism he received during the 2020-21 farmers’ protests. At that time, he openly supported the farmers’ movement, promoted peaceful dialogue and visited the protest site to express solidarity. His position drew sharp criticism from sections of political leaders and social media users, many of whom called him “anti-national.”The actor has consistently maintained that standing with farmers or raising the concerns of citizens should never be interpreted as being against the country.During a recent live interaction with fans, Diljit also addressed the rumors surrounding his alleged US citizenship. Asked if he had obtained a Green Card, he responded jokingly without confirming or denying the reports.“I’ll take a card and color it green. I said nothing. Sab chhodke ye news ban jayegi. It can’t be like this; it won’t happen. The drama of the world will never end, but I say everything … Everyone should be allowed to go to any country without a visa. The whole world should be one. I’m good, but it can’t be like this, can it?” he said.Earlier, a report in The Indian Express said that Dosanjh acquired US citizenship in 2022, has been traveling on a US passport since then and has entered India on an e-visa from September 2022 onwards.
Diljit Dosanjh opens up about ‘Satluj’
In the same live session, Diljit also talked about his recent film ‘Satluj’, which was removed from ZEE5 just 48 hours after its release. In the film, the actor portrays human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposes the alleged illegal killings and secret cremations that took place in Punjab during the militant era.Talking about the project, Diljit said that he will not openly discuss many issues connected with the film and its release. He also pointed out that the incidents described in ‘Satluj’ happened in 1995, when, according to him, people were said not to be allowed to speak about it. The actor added that he believes little has changed over the years, suggesting that the same constraints persist even today.
