Shabana Azmi joins 'Sansad Chalo' March, supports NEET protest at Jantar Mantar

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi joined the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s 'Sansad Chalo' march on Monday, July 20, in Delhi. A day before the march, she visited Jantar Mantar to show her support for protesters demanding action over the alleged NEET paper leak case. The protesters are also asking for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The march is being led by CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke and activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo. The protest has gained attention across the country after Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike.

Shabana Meets Protesters at Jantar Mantar

On Sunday, Shabana Azmi spent time with the protesters at Jantar Mantar. She interacted with people taking part in the agitation and encouraged them to continue their peaceful movement.

Videos shared by the CJP on social media showed the actor greeting protesters and speaking with them. In one emotional video, Shabana was seen sitting beside a woman who was on an indefinite hunger strike. She held the protester's hands, kissed them, and gently touched her face as a gesture of care and support.

The protester later thanked Shabana on social media, writing, "Thank you @azmishabana18 ma'am for your support, solidarity and love."

Protest Continues Over NEET Paper Leak

The CJP has been protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since June 6. The group is demanding accountability over the alleged irregularities in entrance examinations and wants Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down.

The movement received nationwide attention after Sonam Wangchuk started an indefinite hunger strike on June 28. On Saturday, he was taken into police custody after being removed from the protest site and was later admitted to Safdarjung Hospital.

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Despite his absence, the protest has continued, with supporters and activists carrying forward the campaign.

'Sansad Chalo' March Amid Tight Security

The CJP organised the "Sansad Chalo" march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on Monday, the first day of the Monsoon Session. According to reports, security was increased across New Delhi ahead of the march to maintain law and order during the protest.

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Several people from different fields, including members of the film industry, have expressed support for the movement while also appealing for the protests to remain peaceful.

Shabana Responds to Questions on Bollywood

During her visit, Shabana Azmi also addressed questions about the participation of Bollywood celebrities in the protest.

She said people often question why actors are not present at such movements but rarely ask why industrialists or business leaders are absent. According to her, such discussions shift attention away from the real issue.

Shabana urged everyone to focus on supporting the protesters and their demands instead of creating unnecessary controversy over who has or has not joined the march. She said the main concern should be the cause being raised, not the presence of celebrities.

- PTC PUNJABI