19 July,2026 10:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shabana Azmi at Jantar Mantar, Delhi. Pic via X
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi visited Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Sunday to extend her support to the ongoing protest demanding action over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The actor met protesters at the site, including Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, who is currently on a hunger strike as part of the movement.
Videos from the protest venue showed Shabana interacting with Dipke and other demonstrators. She was seen shaking hands with the activist and spending time speaking with those gathered at the protest rather than making a brief symbolic visit.
The demonstration, organised by the CJP, has been demanding accountability over the alleged examination irregularities and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk had also joined the protest on June 28 by beginning an indefinite hunger strike in support of the movement.
Shabana's visit comes days after she publicly voiced her support for Wangchuk, praising his efforts while also expressing concern over his health.
Earlier this week, Shabana shared a message for Sonam Wangchuk on social media, describing him as someone who was standing against injustice and fighting for truth. While expressing solidarity with his cause, she also appealed to him to end his fast, saying his health was equally important.
In her message, the actor said the country needed voices like Wangchuk's and urged him to remain healthy so he could continue guiding students and supporting the movement in the future.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on July 18 after concerns were raised about his deteriorating health following nearly three weeks of fasting. Reports said he had lost around 10 kilograms during the hunger strike. The Delhi High Court later upheld the authorities' decision to move him to hospital, ruling that the action was neither arbitrary nor unlawful.
Dipke, however, criticised the police action, alleging that Wangchuk had been forcibly removed from the protest site and describing the intervention as unjustified.
Known for lending her voice to social causes, Shabana Azmi has frequently supported public campaigns and civic initiatives over the years. Her visit to Jantar Mantar adds to the growing list of public figures expressing solidarity with the ongoing protest, which continues to seek action over the alleged NEET examination irregularities.
