Kamal Haasan has voiced his support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, and has also appealed to social activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. Actress Alia Bhatt voiced her support for students demanding a fair and transparent examination process.
The protest, which began about a month ago, has gained momentum as students continue to demand action against purported irregularities in competitive examinations, accountability from authorities, and comprehensive educational reforms.
Kamal Haasan's Message
Kamal Haasan took to X (now Twitter), and his message to the students was heartfelt.
As he said, “children need answers, not barricades,” and that young people who seek justice and transparency are the ones who need the response, not the confrontation.
The actor-politician stressed that education should generate confidence among students and parents, and policymakers should address concerns about examination integrity.
We should have listened when one child cried.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) July 23, 2026
Instead, we waited until far too many of our children died.
A system where coaching replaces learning, anxiety replaces curiosity, and criminality replaces merit is rotten.
A nation has failed when its children are met with…
Appeal to Sonam Wangchuk
Kamal Haasan also appealed to environmentalist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the protest and has reportedly been on a hunger strike.
While Haasan admired Wangchuk's devotion to the cause, he asked him to end the fast, saying that his voice and leadership are still crucial for the movement and future educational changes.
Alia Bhatt Extends Support
A message from Alia Bhatt has also been sent to the protesting students to support them.
She said that there is a need to protect students’ dreams and ensure merit and hard work are not undermined by allegations of examination irregularities.
Her message resonated widely on social media, where many praised celebrities for speaking out on issues affecting students.
What is the protest all about?
The CJP-led protest focuses on allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG examination.
The demonstrators have several demands, including:
A transparent investigation into the alleged paper leak. Accountability for those responsible. Educational reforms to better secure examinations. Action against the malpractice practitioners. Calls for political accountability, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The topic has been a subject of much debate throughout the country, and parents, teachers, and political leaders have voiced opposing views.
Public Support Increasing.
In recent weeks, several public personalities have voiced concern over examination-related controversies and the need to protect the credibility of India's education system.
Kamal Haasan and Alia Bhatt’s involvement in the movement has also fueled the attention of the public and broader discussion about transparency and fairness in competitive exams and the wider discussion of the sector’s competitive examinations in general.
As the protest continues, students are going to keep working to get a more accountable and trustworthy education system, and the government should continue to address the issues legally and administratively, as far as they can, students say, and continue the protest.
