Chandigarh: The ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak has triggered contrasting reactions from leading voices in the Punjabi entertainment industry. While several celebrities have expressed solidarity with protesting students and criticised the use of force against them, others have questioned the movement and urged people to examine its background before extending support.
The debate intensified after visuals of police action against demonstrators in Delhi spread widely on social media, prompting artists to publicly share their views.
Diljit Dosanjh Calls for Dialogue
Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh appealed to the authorities to engage with the students instead of confronting them.
Reacting to the developments, Diljit said the students deserved to be heard and that their concerns should not be ignored. He added that public voices carry significance and urged the administration to resolve the issue through dialogue. Referring to criticism he has faced in the past, the singer remarked that he has repeatedly been labelled “anti-national” for expressing his opinions and hinted that similar accusations may follow once again.
Diljit also recalled the legal challenges he encountered after voicing support during the farmers’ protest, saying some experiences remain difficult to speak about publicly.
Jasbir Jassi Urges Sensitive Approach
Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi emphasised that students should be treated with compassion rather than viewed through a political lens.
In a social media post, Jassi described the protesters as the country’s children and appealed for respectful communication with them. He stressed that their concerns should receive serious attention and urged political parties to avoid turning the issue into a partisan battle. He also tagged several political leaders, government institutions and parties while making his appeal.
Sonu Sood Questions Police Action
Actor Sonu Sood also voiced concern over the handling of the protests, stating that students require understanding and support rather than force.
He appealed to the authorities to resolve the situation through conversation and empathy, arguing that young people raising concerns about their future should not be met with aggressive action.
Sonam Bajwa Shares Emotional Reaction
Actress Sonam Bajwa reacted indirectly to the controversy by posting a broken-heart emoji along with a message asking, “Since when did asking questions become wrong?”
Although she did not mention the protest explicitly, many social media users interpreted the post as a response to the police action against student demonstrators.
Babbu Maan Distances Himself from Protest
Singer Babbu Maan, however, adopted a different position and declined to support the movement.
He questioned why Punjabis should once again stand at the forefront of a national protest, recalling the sacrifices made by the community during the Partition, the events of 1984 and the farmers’ agitation.
Maan also raised questions about the role of the CJP leadership during the farmers’ movement, asking whether those leading the current campaign had extended support to Punjab’s farmers at that time. According to him, Punjabis cannot be expected to bear the burden of every national agitation, and people should carefully evaluate whom they choose to support.
Debate Extends Beyond Politics
The differing opinions from prominent Punjabi personalities reflect the wider national debate surrounding the CJP movement. While some celebrities believe the focus should remain on the concerns raised by students and the alleged examination irregularities, others argue that public support should be extended only after understanding the larger context and leadership of the campaign.
As the protests continue and political attention intensifies, reactions from influential public figures are further shaping the conversation around one of the country’s most closely watched student movements.
