Anjan Dutt backs Delhi student protests, salutes the protesters

National Award-winning filmmaker Anjan Dutt has expressed support for students protesting in Delhi over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, saying their demand for justice in education deserves to be recognised.

In a video message, Dutt said he believed in democracy and the Constitution and praised the students for raising their concerns through what he described as democratic, constitutional and non-violent means.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

“I believe what is happening in Delhi and what the students are standing for is extremely justified. I believe in democracy,” Dutt said.

His comments come as protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continue in Delhi over alleged irregularities in examinations, including the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). The demonstrations have included demands for greater accountability in the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protests intensified after a “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20, when demonstrators and police clashed at Jantar Mantar. Police used force to disperse the crowd, while authorities have also alleged that some protesters engaged in violence. The protests have since continued at Jantar Mantar amid heightened security and restrictions in parts of central Delhi.

Dutt, however, was careful to distinguish his support for the students from party politics. He said he had never been a member of a political party and had deliberately stayed away from party politics throughout his life.

“I have never believed in any political party or party politics. I have never been a member of any political party. I have stayed away from these things since my student days,” the 73-year-old filmmaker said.

“I have seen a lot in my life, but I have never believed in any political agenda. I believe in the strength of individuals,” he added.

Dutt said he continued to have faith in an elected government but felt that the students’ demands could not simply be ignored.

“I have faith in an elected government. I believe in the Constitution. But when I see millions of students in the country demanding justice over something as important as education, raising questions about corruption in the education system, and doing so in a completely democratic, constitutional and non-violent manner, I have to salute them,” he said.

He concluded by thanking the students for giving him a sense of pride in his country.

“They have given me the opportunity to feel proud as an Indian. I am proud to live in a country where students can question injustice in education through democratic and constitutional means. I salute every one of them,” he said.

Dutt’s comments come amid growing support for the protesters from figures in India’s film and cultural circles. 

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, among others, has also expressed solidarity with students protesting alleged examination irregularities and criticised the police action during the Jantar Mantar demonstrations.

The filmmaker’s intervention also comes shortly after the announcement of the 72nd National Film Awards, where his directorial “Chalchitra Ekhon” was named Best Bengali Film.