Shabana Azmi Backs NEET Protesters At Jantar Mantar, Meets CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi reached Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Sunday, July 19, to extend her support to the protest seeking action over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

During her visit, Shabana met Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, who is currently observing a hunger strike. Videos from the protest site showed the actor speaking with Dipke, shaking hands with him and interacting with others gathered at the venue.

The demonstration has been organised by the CJP, which has been pressing for accountability over the alleged examination lapses.

Shabana Azmi Meets Protesters At Jantar Mantar

Shabana’s presence at the protest came days after she publicly supported climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the CJP-led

movement and began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28.

The actor has previously associated herself with civic causes and public campaigns, including efforts related to slum rehabilitation in Mumbai. Her visit to Jantar Mantar continued that pattern of publicly backing movements centred on social and political concerns.

Shabana Azmi has arrived at Jantar Mantar in solidarity with the protesters demanding accountability from the govt. @AzmiShabana @abhijeet_dipke pic.twitter.com/OMUwfHyggJ

— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 19, 2026

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi at Jantar Mantar in solidarity with students. pic.twitter.com/Un5v1H6asr

— Kaushik Raj (@kaushikrj6) July 19, 2026

At the protest site, she was seen spending time with Dipke and other demonstrators rather than making a brief ceremonial appearance.

Her Appeal To Sonam Wangchuk

Earlier this week, Shabana shared Wangchuk’s photograph on Instagram and praised him for standing against injustice. She wrote, “Dear Sonam Wangchuk, our country gravely needs a person like you. You’re standing against injustice, in favour of the truth. We’re all very proud of you.”

She also urged him to reconsider continuing the fast because of the impact on his health.

“That’s why we request you to end your hunger strike because your guidance really encourages our students. Yeh ladayi aage tak ladni hai. For that, it’s important you stay healthy. We’re all with you,” she added.

Wangchuk Shifted To Hospital

On July 18, the Delhi Police moved Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital after concerns were raised about his condition on the 21st day of the hunger strike. Doctors monitoring him reportedly said he had lost around 10 kg during the fast.

The Delhi High Court later upheld the Centre’s decision to shift him to the hospital, holding that the action was neither arbitrary nor unlawful.

Dipke, however, objected to the police intervention and alleged that Wangchuk had been forcibly removed from the site. He called the move a “big mistake” and accused the police of “kidnapping Sonam Wangchuk.”

The protest, meanwhile, continues as organisers demand action over the alleged NEET irregularities.