🔥 Trending Shabana Azmi Joins NEeT Protest: What You Need to Know

Shabana Azmi's involvement in the NEET protest centers on her support for students and activists demanding action against alleged irregularities and paper leaks in India's National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) ⁵⁷.

Background of the NEET Protest

The NEET examination is a crucial entrance test for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India. In recent times, the examination has been marred by allegations of paper leaks and other irregularities, leading to widespread protests across the country ⁵⁶. Students and various organizations have called for investigations, re-examinations, and accountability from the authorities ⁵.

Shabana Azmi's Participation and Support

Veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi has actively joined these protests, lending her voice and presence to the cause. Her participation has brought significant media attention to the movement.

Key Actions and Statements:

• Jantar Mantar Visit: On July 19, 2026, Azmi visited Jantar Mantar in Delhi to show solidarity with the protesting students and activists ³⁷. She met with Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), who was on a hunger strike as part of the protest ²⁷. Azmi was seen kissing the hand of a hunger strike activist as a gesture of support ⁴.
• "Sansad Chalo" March: On July 20, 2026, Azmi joined the CJP's "Sansad Chalo" (March to Parliament) protest march, which aimed to draw the attention of lawmakers to the NEET issue ³⁵⁶.
• Appeal to PM Modi: Azmi revealed that she and her husband, Javed Akhtar, had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to engage with the protesters and address their concerns ¹⁹¹⁰. She emphasized that the Prime Minister should "at least hear us out" ¹.
• Dismissal of Bollywood's Absence: When questioned about the perceived lack of Bollywood celebrities at the protest, Azmi dismissed these concerns, stating that the focus should remain on the cause itself rather than the presence of celebrities ¹³⁹. She asserted that the issue should not be sidelined by such questions ⁹.
• Reciting Poetry: During her participation, Azmi recited a poem by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, "Bol ke lab aazad hain tere" (Speak, for your lips are free), at Jantar Mantar, further expressing her support for freedom of speech and protest ².

Demands of the Protesters

The protesters, supported by figures like Shabana Azmi, are primarily demanding:

• Action against the alleged NEET paper leak case ⁵.
• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ⁶.
• A thorough investigation into the irregularities ⁵.
• Justice for the affected students ⁴.

Shabana Azmi's involvement underscores the growing public concern over the integrity of national examinations and the call for greater transparency and accountability from governing bodies ¹⁹.