Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 23: Television actor Rupali Ganguly has expressed support for students demanding reforms in the examination system while condemning violence during the ongoing protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and other examination irregularities.
As the nationwide student movement continues to gain momentum, several film and television personalities, including Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Hrithik Roshan and Naseeruddin Shah, have voiced support for the students and urged the government to engage in dialogue.
Sharing her views on X, Ganguly said those who resort to violence and vandalism cannot be regarded as students.
"Those who take the law into their own hands, vandalise public property and attack the police cannot be called students. Such actions only weaken a legitimate cause," she wrote.
Calling the demand for accountability over examination paper leaks valid, the actor said students deserved a fair examination system, transparency and safeguards to prevent such incidents in the future.
She noted that investigating agencies had initiated probes into recent paper leak cases, arrested suspects and begun legal proceedings, while governments had announced measures to strengthen the examination system and prevent future leaks.
Ganguly, however, cautioned that violence during protests could overshadow genuine student concerns.
"When violence replaces peaceful protest, genuine student concerns risk being overshadowed. If anti-national or politically motivated elements exploit student movements for their own agenda, it harms the very students seeking justice," she said.
Urging protesters to remain peaceful, she appealed to students not to allow anyone to hijack their movement for political or ideological purposes.
"India stands with its students. India stands with its people. The fight should be for transparency, accountability and better reforms, not for violence or destruction. Protest peacefully, stay united and do not let anyone hijack your movement or manipulate your emotions. Peaceful, democratic action is the strongest way to bring lasting change," she added.
Meanwhile, singer Sonu Nigam declined to comment on the ongoing protests. In a video that has gone viral on social media, the singer was asked by reporters for his views on the agitation.
Responding briefly, Nigam said, "Main yahan kis liye aaya hoon?" (Why have I come here?), and later gestured to reporters to stop asking further questions, saying, "Bas, bas." His response drew mixed reactions on social media, with some users criticising him for refusing to comment.
The student protests at Jantar Mantar, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), have intensified after educator and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike, which has entered its 25th day.
Earlier this week, students from across the country marched towards Parliament at the start of the Monsoon Session but were stopped by the Delhi Police, leading to clashes that triggered widespread debate.
The protesters are demanding talks with the Central government and have sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and other alleged irregularities in the examination process.