Diljit Dosanjh Stands by Student Voices: Singer Anticipates Fresh Criticism
IIE DIGITAL: Initially, Diljit Dosanjh had deliberately kept his distance from the protest at Jantar Mantar. He had made it clear that he did not wish to comment on the agitation demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, maintaining that he was an actor, not a politician. However, after students were allegedly subjected to a police baton charge on Monday, the actor could no longer remain silent. At the same time, he expressed concern that he might once again be branded ‘anti-national’.
On Monday, students had planned to march towards Parliament to protest against the alleged NEET question paper leak and demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. However, they were reportedly denied permission for the march. According to reports, the protesters were met with tear gas as they moved towards their destination, while videos showing police allegedly resorting to baton charges also surfaced on social media.
Breaking his silence on the incident, Diljit took to social media and wrote, “What happened was absolutely wrong. Such treatment of students cannot be accepted. I would urge the administration to listen to the concerns of the students. The voice of the people is, in fact, the voice of God.”
Diljit also expressed apprehension that supporting the students' demands could once again invite accusations of being ‘anti-national’. He had faced similar criticism in the past after extending his support to the farmers' protest in Punjab. Recalling that experience, the actor said, “I have been called ‘anti-national’ several times. Perhaps I will be called that again. After the farmers' protest, I faced a lot of taunts and even became entangled in various legal complications, which I cannot speak about. But God sees everything.”
Meanwhile, Delhi was placed under tight security on Monday to prevent the ‘Kakroach Janata Party’ from carrying out its planned march. Barricades were put up at several locations, while Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (formerly Section 144) was imposed, restricting gatherings of more than four people. Police personnel were deployed with batons and tear gas to prevent the protesters from advancing.
Despite the heavy security arrangements, the demonstrators managed to move close to Parliament before being stopped by the police. They were ultimately prevented from reaching the Parliament complex. The protesters alleged that the police used batons and tear gas to disperse the gathering, followed by several arrests. Eventually, the government agreed to hold talks with representatives of the ‘Kakroach’ group. Amid the escalating situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also arrived at the office of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
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