Actor-couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh have voiced their support for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest, joining a growing list of film personalities backing the youth-led movement in Delhi. Their message came as students gathered at Jantar Mantar to demand nationwide education reforms and raise concerns over the alleged NEET irregularities. Apart from the couple, actors Bhumi Pednekar, Huma Qureshi, Nandita Das, veteran actor Shabana Azmi and screenwriter Sutapa Sikdar also expressed solidarity with the protesters.
Riteish and Genelia call youth the nation’s future
Taking to X, Riteish shared a joint message on behalf of himself and Genelia, urging people to stand with the country’s youth and recognise the importance of their voices.The post read, “We stand in solidarity with the youth of our country. Their voices deserve to be heard, loud, clear, and without fear. 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 young people will shape the India we aspire to build. Jai Hind. Genelia & Riteish Deshmukh #YouthOfIndia #VoiceOfTheYouth #FutureOfOurNation (sic).”
Protest centres on education reforms
The demonstration was organised on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Protesters demanded reforms in the education system and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. As the march advanced towards Parliament, clashes broke out between demonstrators and security personnel.
CJP delegation meets JP Nadda
Following the protest, a CJP delegation met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and submitted a memorandum highlighting three primary demands. These included the immediate release of activist Sonam Wangchuk from hospital care, the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the examination paper leak.`
Shabana Azmi reportedly taken ill
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi was also present at the protest in support of the students. During the gathering, the 75-year-old actor reportedly felt unwell.Videos circulating from the protest site showed volunteers and security personnel assisting Shabana after she appeared to feel dizzy. She was subsequently escorted to a nearby security cabin for medical attention.
