Preity Zinta backs CJP protest and urges government dialogue
Actor Preity Zinta has publicly voiced her support for students demonstrating under the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) banner, urging the Indian government to initiate “meaningful dialogue” with student bodies and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to resolve the ongoing crisis surrounding competitive exam paper leaks.
Taking to social media, Zinta expressed deep concern over the health of Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike demanding accountability and comprehensive educational reforms following widespread irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. Urging the activist to prioritize his well-being, the actor appealed for an immediate end to his fast while affirming her solidarity with the youth movement:
”I hope our govt starts a meaningful dialogue with Sonam Wangchuk and the student bodies so his health does not deteriorate any further! Please end your fast Sonam. Your health is as important as this fight. You and the students are fighting for the future of India and for our youth. My heartfelt & unwavering support to every student & to Sonam in this fight to uplift & upgrade our educational system.”
The CJP-led demonstrations at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar escalated dramatically following a police crackdown and lathi-charge on peaceful student marchers, triggering widespread outrage across civil society and the entertainment fraternity. Addressing the growing unrest, Zinta issued a follow-up statement stressing the need to protect the genuine intent of the movement while cautioning against violence or political exploitation.
She emphasized that while demanding reforms and holding authorities accountable is essential for the nation’s future, peaceful protests must remain focused on their core objective and avoid being manipulated by disruptive elements. Reaffirming her faith in democratic institutions, law, and order, she appealed to both authorities and student representatives to enter into constructive discussions to restore stability and secure better educational standards for the nation’s youth.
Zinta’s intervention joins a swell of public support from prominent cultural figures—including veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj, actor Imran Khan, and singer Diljit Dosanjh—who have collectively called on leadership to engage constructively with the country’s students rather than resorting to force. With public pressure mounting and health concerns for key activists intensifying, calls for immediate government dialogue have moved to the forefront of the national debate.
