Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament and veteran actress Hema Malini on 20 July called on protesters to engage in dialogue rather than demonstrations, urging the group behind the ongoing agitation in New Delhi not to mislead students. Speaking to reporters, she defended the Modi government's record on education and said the current protests would not yield results.

What Hema Malini Said

Malini stated that any grievance should be addressed through proper discussion rather than street protests. 'Agar koi problem hain toh achchi tarah se discuss karni chahiye. Instead of aise protest karne se toh koi kaam nahi hoga,' she said, which translates to: 'If there is a problem, it should be discussed properly. Protesting in this manner won't achieve anything.'

She added that the Modi government had consistently supported the country's youth and education system. On the student involvement in protests, she said: 'Chaatron ko ap involve karte hain, bicharo ko gumraah nahi karna chahiye na?' — urging that students not be misled and that the actual problem be clearly communicated to them.

Background: Wangchuk's Removal and Escalating Tensions

The protests gained fresh momentum after climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk was removed by Delhi Police from the protest site at Jantar Mantar in the early hours of 18 July, following 21 days of an indefinite hunger strike. Authorities shifted him to a hospital, citing his deteriorating health, medical advice, and compliance with a Delhi High Court order.

Wangchuk had been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. His removal drew sharp reactions and intensified the ongoing agitation.

The NEET Paper Leak Controversy

At the centre of the broader unrest is the NEET paper leak controversy, which has severely dented public trust in India's examination system. Allegations of question paper leaks, irregularities, and unfair advantages in the medical entrance exam — conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) — came to a head after an unusually high number of top scorers and perfect marks raised red flags.

Students across the country took to the streets demanding transparency, a re-test, and accountability from authorities. The government defended the exam process while multiple investigative agencies examined the extent of alleged malpractice. Notably, the controversy is part of a broader pattern of paper leak allegations that has rattled competitive examinations across academia.

What Happens Next

With Sonam Wangchuk hospitalised and protesters continuing to press their demands, the political temperature around the NEET row remains elevated. The government has so far resisted calls for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, and no formal dialogue process has been announced. Whether Malini's appeal for talks finds traction among protest leaders remains to be seen.