Cinema VinesFilmmaker Anurag Kashyap has publicly backed the student protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) that took place in Delhi last week. The movement, which began as a youth‑driven campaign demanding reforms in India’s education system, has escalated into a call for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities, including NEET paper leaks.
On Monday, thousands of students marched toward Parliament in what was dubbed the ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest. The demonstration turned violent when Delhi Police used lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Kashyap, who had earlier condemned police actions against the demonstrators, reiterated his support on Instagram, stating that the young protesters are no longer willing to be distracted and are demanding answers from the government. He added that many of them are now old enough to vote and are ready to hold authorities accountable.
In his Instagram post, Kashyap wrote, “What they don’t understand about the kids who’ve come down on the streets to protest is that they were between 2‑6 when the PM came to power. All they’ve seen is Congress‑mukt Bharat and they’re tired of it. They want answers, and they really want them. This time, you can’t get away with abusing someone else. It’s time these young people start asking questions and are ready to vote.” He also criticized police conduct, saying, “I didn’t know you have to sell your soul and conscience to wear a police uniform. Is there even one police officer in this country who can stand up and say, ‘I won’t follow this order because it is wrong’?”
The protest, organized by the CJP, has attracted support from social activists such as Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the movement earlier this month and began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Several public figures, including Shabana Azmi, Pratibha Ranta, and Prakash Raj, have expressed their support for the students. According to Delhi Police, the demonstrators displayed aggressive and violent behaviour, refusing to disperse despite repeated warnings and violating prohibitory orders in force. However, the protesters alleged that police personnel used force indiscriminately, resulting in injuries to several demonstrators.
Kashyap’s endorsement comes at a time when the protest has drawn national attention to the broader demands for transparency and accountability in the education sector. As the movement gains momentum, the government faces increasing pressure to address the students’ grievances and respond to calls for systemic change.
