Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has broken his silence on the ongoing Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy. During a recent Instagram Live session, the Main Vaapas Aaunga actor was asked by a fan whether he planned to join the demonstrations. His response was brief, direct, and has since sparked widespread discussion across social media.
When asked about participating in the protest, Diljit replied:
“Keep me away from all this… Bro, I’m an artist. I’m no politician. I don’t know what you think I am.”
The statement immediately went viral, with many interpreting it as the actor’s decision to distance himself from political movements and public protests. While some appreciated his honesty about wanting to remain outside politics, others questioned whether public figures with large platforms have a responsibility to speak up on issues affecting students and young people. The response has, unsurprisingly, divided opinion online.
Diljit further quoted a line from the Guru Granth Sahib:
“Nanak dukhiya sab sansar, so sukhiya jis naam aadhaara.”
He then added:
“Look, everything can never be right. Everything in this world can never be right… So, those who are protesting, congratulations to them, and for whom the protest is happening, congratulations to them also, as I don’t know anything.”
His remarks stand in contrast to his earlier public activism. In 2020, Diljit was among the most prominent entertainment personalities to openly support the farmers’ protest against the Centre’s farm laws. He regularly voiced solidarity with protesting farmers, interacted with activists, and became one of the movement’s most recognisable celebrity supporters. That history has led many observers to compare his current apolitical stance with his earlier willingness to engage in public issues.
The latest controversy comes against the backdrop of sustained demonstrations led by the CJP at Jantar Mantar, where protesters have been demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak. The movement has drawn students, activists, educators, and several public personalities, turning it into one of the country’s most discussed youth-led protests.
As clips from Diljit’s Instagram Live continue to circulate online, reactions remain sharply divided. Some believe artists should be free to focus solely on their craft without being expected to comment on every political issue. Others argue that celebrities, particularly those with millions of followers, inevitably influence public discourse and therefore cannot completely separate themselves from social movements.
Whether one agrees with Diljit Dosanjh’s position or not, his statement has reignited a larger debate that extends far beyond one protest: Should artists remain politically neutral, or does their influence come with a responsibility to take a stand? For now, Diljit’s answer appears unequivocal: “I’m an artist. I’m no politician.”
