Murli Manohar Joshi, a veteran and leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former Union Minister, expressed support on Thursday for students protesting over the alleged leak of NEET examination materials. He stated that the students' concerns regarding the examination system are 'genuine' and should be addressed with empathy rather than force.
In a rare public statement from a senior BJP figure, Joshi also criticized the police actions against protesting students in Delhi this week. He characterized these actions as 'ruthless' and warned that such use of force could alienate significant segments of society from the government's vision of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India).
Joshi wrote on X: 'It is painful to see young students from different parts of the country gathered in the streets of New Delhi for several days. Their anxieties and concerns about the examination system are genuine and must be addressed with compassion and a desire to find a long-term solution.' He added that it was 'very painful to see even young girls treated so harshly.'
Calling for a more humane approach, Joshi emphasized: 'I sincerely hope this will not be viewed merely as a law and order issue to be solved by force.' He also cautioned that such actions 'will push significant sections of Indian society away from the national goal of Viksit Bharat.'
Joshi's statements came amid escalating political confrontation related to the alleged NEET material leak and the ongoing Monsoon Session in Parliament. The BJP accused the Congress of evading discussion on this matter in Parliament, despite the government's readiness to debate. BJP President Nitin Naib declared that the opposition is 'running away' from the discussion because its 'double standards' will be exposed.
Naib noted that the 'NDA government is fully prepared to hold discussions at all levels about the future of students and youth,' challenging the opposition to participate in debates on NEET and other student-related issues. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also confirmed that the Centre has already taken action against those accused of the alleged leak and remains committed to ensuring justice for students. She accused the Congress of promoting 'subversive politics' instead of participating in parliamentary discussions.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal urged the opposition not to politicize the issue, stating that the government would take 'the strictest possible measures' against those responsible for the material leaks.
Earlier that day, Prime Minister Modi made his first public comment on the current protest, announcing that the government would establish fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those involved in the material leaks. Prime Minister Modi wrote on X: 'Nothing is more important than the well-being and future of our youth! We have decided to create fast-track courts to ensure quick and strict punishment for those involved in the material leaks. I have instructed the concerned agencies and officials to take all necessary steps. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.'
Meanwhile, opposition parties continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, linking the issue to the alleged attack on protesting students. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi stated that the leaders of the INDIA bloc are heading to Gandhisamriti to show solidarity with students affected by the alleged material leak and injured during police action. Gandhi wrote on X: 'The students of India are not alone. The entire Opposition stands with them and their demands.'
The opposition demanded Pradhan's resignation and a discussion under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha before agreeing to debates, while the government insisted on its readiness to discuss the issue without preconditions. This deadlock has repeatedly disrupted proceedings in both houses of Parliament.
Around the issue of leaked NEET examination materials, which is sparking protests at Jantar Mantar, the Bollywood industry has split into two camps. Some prominent figures have openly supported the students and criticized the methods used to manage the protests, while others have taken a more cautious stance, advocating for reforms but warning against the politicization of the movement.
The great actress Shabana Azmi has become one of the loudest voices in support of the students. She not only posted messages on social media but also joined the demonstrators during the 'Chalo Sansad' march in Delhi, stating that students have every democratic right to demand accountability.
Shabana Azmi criticized the alleged actions of the police against peaceful protesters and strongly urged the government to engage in dialogue with the youth instead of suppressing dissent.
Naruddin Shah, who has worked in several films with Shabana, also issued an emotional statement regarding the ongoing student protests. He compared the Delhi Police officers, allegedly using batons on students, to ICE agents from the USA. Expressing deep sorrow and anger after viewing photos of the protests, he called on the students to continue their actions and assured them of his full support.
On the other hand, Salman Khan offered a balanced perspective. Characterizing the leak of examination materials as a betrayal of students' hard work, he stated that every student should have 'a system that is fair, transparent, and merit-based.' He highly praised 'the courage and determination of those peacefully demanding significant reforms.'
However, Salman cautioned the protesters to beware of 'selfish individuals who might try to hijack their movement and divert it from its true goal.' Emphasizing his solidarity with India's youth, he expressed hope for positive changes through this movement and trust in the country's leadership.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher also demonstrated solidarity with the students and supported their demands. However, he also warned the protesters not to allow external groups to seize their movement or use it for political or ideological purposes.
Actor Ar Madhavan supported Salman's position, expressing disappointment over the material leak. He noted that it destroys the dreams of countless students and families who see education as a path to a better future. Supporting the peaceful protest and necessary reforms, Madhavan advised students to guard against 'personal interests' that might exploit this movement. He reiterated that every citizen has the right to express their opinion peacefully and responsibly, and expressed his full support for the youth.
Alia Bhatt wrote an emotional message in support of the students. She shared that the recent days had caused her pain but subsequently filled her with hope. Praising the protesters as an example of bravery and resilience, Alia noted that every determined student represents 'a family's dream, hope, and the path of countless sacrifices.' She added that the students are fighting not only for themselves but are creating 'a better path for those who will come after them.' The actress commended their courage and steadfastness, noting that it is 'a mirror for all of us, asking if we are truly listening to those who will govern and shape the future of this country. The future belongs to the students, created by the students.'
Singer Armaan Malik also spoke out actively online. He stated that for him, 'this matter is no longer just about the students. It has become a big question for all of us. What kind of country do we want to build? I hope we do not miss this chance; we choose the path of empathy over indifference and dialogue over division.'
Actor and politician Kamal Haasan openly expressed his support. In a sharp statement, he emphasized that education is the foundation of any nation's future, and students demanding transparency should not be considered enemies. He wrote on X: 'When a child cried, we should have listened. Instead, we waited for many of our children to die. A system where tutoring replaces learning, anxiety replaces curiosity, and crime replaces talent—that is a rotten system. A country fails when its children face barriers and batons instead of answers.'
Chitrangada Singh appealed to the administration to listen to the students. In her social media post, she wrote: 'Any country can tell its youth about big dreams, but it cannot remain silent when those dreams are in peril. Please listen to these students. Their concerns require conversation, empathy, and action. Please do not let them lose faith in the system that gave them hope.'
These reactions demonstrate a wide-ranging national discussion. One segment of the film industry believes the country must stand with the students demanding justice and reform, while another argues that the movement must be protected from political interests attempting to divert it from its original objective.
On Thursday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Nishikant Dubey addressed students who were protesting at Jantar Mantar regarding the leak of NEET examination materials. He urged them to return to their studies, asserting that the path to a career in medicine, engineering, or civil service lies through education, not protests.
Addressing the protesting students in Delhi, Dubey stated that Jantar Mantar is not an appropriate place for them. He emphasized that admission to medical or engineering colleges, as well as becoming an IAS or IPS officer, requires following the path of education and focusing on studies. He reminded that in 1975, many participants in the student movement failed to become doctors or engineers within two years because they left their studies, although some of them became political leaders.
In his post on social media platform X, Dubey also strongly recommended that students prioritize academic achievements over protests, stating that the movement would prevent them from completing their education. Supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for strict measures against those involved in the leaks, the BJP MP noted that the government is ready to ensure the harshest punishment for the accused.
Dubey added that the Prime Minister has made it clear that leading lawyers will be engaged against the 13 arrested individuals, and they must receive the strictest penalty. He noted that parents want to send their children to top educational institutions based on their academic performance, but some children use leaks as an excuse, trying to convince their parents that they are good at studying but cannot compete due to the leak.
The MP also called on opposition parties to allow this issue to be discussed in Parliament, insisting on the need for a stronger legal framework to combat exam cheating. He compared this to the strong law enacted after the Nirbhaya incident and stated that a similar strict provision could be introduced in cases of leaks. Furthermore, he mentioned that Rahul Gandhi does not care about the students.
In another post on X, Dubey suggested that Parliament could pass a law providing for the death penalty for those found guilty of leaking examination materials.
Amidst the alleged NEET exam leak, the situation has intensified at Jantar Mantar in Delhi's capital. Students took to the streets to voice their protest under the banner of the 'Koroch Chanta Party' (CJP). Among these events, renowned Bollywood actor Anupam Kher released a video message expressing his sincere support for the young protesters.
In his video message, Anupam Kher began by greeting his dear students. He stated that he was deeply saddened when he saw photos of students protesting at Jantar Mantar a couple of days ago. The actor emphasized that no student in the country should have to go through such difficult circumstances while trying to express their point of view. He recalled his own past, noting that he too was once a student who dreamed, asked questions, and disagreed with the system.
Since hundreds of students are still studying at his institution, he deeply understands the anxiety, anger, and hopes of the youth. Continuing his thought, Anupam Kher stated that, in his opinion, the student movement is the most sincere and pure voice of society. He noted that there is no personal gain in this movement, only concern for one's own future, defending rights, and dreaming of building a better country, which is why he sincerely supports the students.
Speaking as an elder brother figure, Anupam Kher gave the students important advice. He warned them to be extremely cautious when outsiders, political opportunists, or elements whose goal is not the students' problem but promoting their own agenda interfere in the student movement. Although it may initially seem that the arrival of more people strengthens the movement, often these very people become the biggest weakness of the movement. Such individuals begin to use the students' voices for their own interests, constructing political narratives upon their suffering, resulting in the true essence of the students gradually being lost, and only they themselves bearing the damage.
Anupam Kher reminded them that in a democracy, the right to ask questions, hold demonstrations, and firmly defend one's position belongs to every student. However, with this comes the responsibility—not to allow anyone to hijack their voice. He concluded that the youth of the country are its greatest asset, and their honesty and energy are their true strength. In closing, he urged the students not to become tools in anyone's hands, but always to speak up boldly, on their own terms, relying on their self-awareness and self-respect.
