Cinema VinesActor Jyotika used her Instagram on Saturday to voice a forceful stance in support of student protests sweeping India. In a post that called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the actress also expressed solidarity with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and activist Sonam Wangchuk. Her remarks quickly attracted both praise and backlash from online commentators.
Jyotika’s caption read, “Step down Dharmendra Pradhan. Resign. I stand with the students and future of our nation! I stand with accountability! I stand for a democratic India! I stand for a reformed education!” She followed this with praise for the CJP and Wangchuk, writing, “Sonam Wangchuk Abhijeet Dipke and Saurav Das, as mothers we want to raise our children to be like you. Proud of you Gen Z's for being unfiltered. You have proved that together ‘WE’ are India. Thank you for breaking the pressure Thank you for making us fearless ACJP. Jai hind, Jyotika.”
The post drew a wave of trolling. One user mocked the actress, claiming that many celebrities had “woken up” to support the CJP while ignoring the real NEET problem. Jyotika replied, “oooohhh toolkit! Fancy. I thought I wrote I support students, let me check.” Another troll questioned her filmography, suggesting she had no hits. She countered, “pls watch system on Amazon n blockbuster shaitaan, dabba cartel, Kaathal in Malayalam n national award winning srikanth. Get your facts clear before doing time pass. Infact not a single flop! Wow.”
Supporters also sent messages of gratitude and concern. One fan wrote, “@jyotika i don't think any other ‘celebrity’ dared to do this. Growing up watching your films, I loved you as an actor, however, today, I admire your humanness. I hope this doesn't cause you any backlash and I hope to God you and your beloved family stay safe.” Jyotika thanked them, replying, “gods always been with me. Thank u for being concerned.”
Critics of her stance warned that students should not be encouraged to damage government property or shift their protests to unrelated political issues. Jyotika responded sharply, questioning the government’s use of lathi and tear gas against students, saying, “what about government damaging student heads n body?” Her comments underline the growing tension between student activists, government officials, and public figures who are choosing to speak out. The protests, known as Chalo Sans, continue to press for educational reforms and greater accountability in India’s higher‑education system.
