Cinema VinesActor‑comedian Vir Das took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday to criticize Indian artists who have remained silent amid the student protests in Delhi. Das, who has publicly supported the demonstrators, urged fellow performers to speak out for young people demanding reforms in the education system, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam leaks.
In a tweet that was later deleted, Das wrote, “If you’re an Indian live artist, I hope you understand the sheer hypocrisy of not speaking up for young people, and then trying to sell them tickets later. The sheer luxury of being a silent viewer to what an Indian crowd cares about, and then expecting an Indian crowd to be loud and vocal and care about you.” He continued that the concert economy in India relies on youth support and that artists should use their platforms to champion the issues that matter to the next generation.
Das followed up with a second post mocking the government’s response to the protests. He suggested that a future film would dramatize the current events, describing the situation as “a deep state nexus of anti‑national NEET giving naxals.” He implied that the alleged exam leaks were a deliberate distraction, labeling the incident a “counter intelligence” operation rather than mere incompetence or corruption.
The protests, organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), have been ongoing for more than two weeks. Demonstrators accuse the education ministry of irregularities, particularly the leaking of NEET exam papers, and have called for the minister’s resignation. Delhi police have reported that the demonstrators displayed unruly, aggressive, and violent behaviour, refusing to disperse despite repeated warnings and lawful orders. Protesters, in turn, claim that police targeted them indiscriminately, resulting in several injuries.
Social activist Sonam Wangchuck also joined the protest earlier in the month, launching a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. The CJP’s chief spokesperson, Saurav Das, has been vocal about the grievances of students and the need for systemic change in the country’s education system.
