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Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh The Telapoka Janata Party (CJP) has come out in support of youth-led protests against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demands for comprehensive education reforms. Monday’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to Parliament followed clashes between protesters and security personnel on the opening day of the monsoon session.The ongoing movement also revolves around Ladakhi workers Sonam WangchukIn the face of agitation, who continues his indefinite hunger strike and is currently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. Besides demanding reforms in the education system, the protesters demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.
Diljit Dosanjh Says criticism won’t stop him from speaking out
Through a series of Instagram Stories, Diljit urged authorities to focus on students’ voices instead of suppressing them. The actor also admitted that he expects to be branded “anti-national” again for taking a public stand, recalling the criticism and legal trouble he claims to have faced after supporting the 2020-21 farmers’ movement.He wrote, “What happened today is very unfair. The students should not have been treated like this. I request 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 I will be called anti-national again. After the farmers’ protest, I have faced a lot of backlash and legal issues which I cannot discuss yet. The rest, God is watching.” Father bless all (sic).”
The CJP’s march to Parliament was a face-off
Despite heavy rains, thousands of people gathered at Jantar Mantar before starting their march towards Parliament. Roads around the protest site were sealed off, with groups of protesters trying to cross multiple barricades while trying to move through central Delhi using alternate routes and internal lanes. The situation turned violent, with security personnel firing tear gas shells and batons to disperse the crowd.
He put forward three demands JP Nadda
Following the protest, a CJP delegation met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and submitted a written memorandum listing three major 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 for the families of NEET candidates who allegedly committed suicide after the report exam paper was leaked.Government sources said no promises were made on these demands. However, Nadda reportedly appealed to the protesters to withdraw their stand and cooperate with the administration.
Sonam Wangchuk refuses to end indefinite hunger strike
Speaking from Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk reiterated his decision to continue his hunger strike, India Today reported. “Seeing the brutal treatment of peaceful protesting youths, I have decided that till the youth leaders are not allowed to meet the members of parliament at the parliament building or I am not allowed to meet them here at the hospital,” he said.He also said he was “touched and moved” by the restraint shown by protesters despite what he described as repeated provocations. 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 hunger strike only if the government held accountable for alleged failures in the education system or if political leaders assured to raise the matter in the monsoon session. Supporters have continued to allege that Wangchuk is being “unlawfully detained”, allegations that authorities have denied.Even though the protests continued in various parts of the country, the central government did not speak publicly about the agitation. Meanwhile, the opposition parties are increasing the pressure by openly supporting the students and their demands.
Bollywood celebrities marched behind the students
Diljit’s statement adds to a growing list of film personalities who have come out in support of 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 without fear.”Actor Sonu Sood, valiant slaveSoha Ali Khan and Dia Mirza also shared messages supporting the movement on social media. Writer Sutapa Sikda highlights the economic struggles of many students participating in the protest. In his post, he wrote that many are “with 20 bucks in their pockets” and “full of hope” it’s time to ask for accountability.Veteran actors were also featured in the protest site video Shabana Azmi And Prakash Raj extends support to students. Actor-politicians on the other hand Kangana Ranaut And Hema Malini expressed support to the central government.
Why Diljit called Dosanjh ‘anti-national’
Diljit linked his latest comments to the criticism he received during the 2020-21 farmers’ protests. During that time, he publicly supported the farmers’ movement, advocated peaceful dialogue and visited protest sites to show solidarity. His stance drew sharp criticism from a section of political leaders and social media users, many of whom labeled him “anti-national”.The actor has consistently maintained that standing by farmers or raising citizens’ concerns should never be interpreted against the nation.During a recent live chat with fans, Diljit also addressed the rumors surrounding his alleged US citizenship. When asked if he had received a green card, he responded humorously without confirming or denying the report.“I’ll take a card and color it green. I’m not saying anything. Sab chodke ye news ban jaegi. It’s not possible; it’s never going to happen. The drama of the world will never end, but I’m saying it all… Everyone should be allowed to go to any country without a visa. The whole world should be one. I’m fine, but it’s not possible, is it?” He saidEarlier, a report in The Indian Express claimed that Dosanjh acquired US citizenship in 2022, was traveling on a US passport since then and was entering India on an e-Visa from September 2022.
Diljit Dosanjh opens up about Satluj
In the same live session, Diljit also discussed his latest film ‘Satluj’, which cleared ZEE5 within just 48 hours of its release. In the film, the actor portrayed human rights activist Jasbant Singh Khalra, who exposed the alleged illegal killings and secret cremations that took place in Punjab during the era of militancy.Speaking about the project, Diljit said that he could not openly discuss several issues related to both the film and its release. He also pointed out that the events depicted in ‘Satuluj’ took place in 1995, when, according to him, people were not allowed to talk about them. The actor also commented that he believes little has changed over the years, suggesting that similar limitations persist today.
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