Salman Khan urges students: Don't let Delhi protests turn political
Synopsis
Salman Khan stepped into one of India’s most charged student movements, urging protesters not to let political actors claim their andolan. His X post praised the paper leak agitation as courageous and peaceful — and warned that hijacking it politically would rob students of the credit they deserve.
Key Takeaways
Salman Khan posted a lengthy message on X (formerly Twitter) on 22 July backing the student protests in Delhi .
He called the paper leak a ‘very serious issue’ and praised students and parents for their peaceful andolan.
Khan explicitly warned that the protest ‘should not be hijacked politically’ and that credit must go solely to students.
He expressed confidence the government would support students, calling it a ‘win-win situation.’ Khan also called for India to become a global education hub , with education becoming the country’s next big trend.
His remarks come as he prepares for the release of ‘Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace.’
Bollywood actor Salman Khan on Wednesday, 22 July broke his silence on the ongoing student protests in Delhi, calling on demonstrators to guard their movement against political interference. The appeal came via a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), in which Khan expressed solidarity with students agitating over the paper leak crisis and urged that credit for the peaceful andolan remain solely with them.
What Salman Khan Said
In his post, Khan described the protests as a courageous, peaceful movement that had been undermined by outside elements. “It was such a peaceful movement, feel so sad that it had to take a violent turn. My heart goes out to the students and their families who were hurt,” he wrote.
Acknowledging the gravity of the paper leak issue, Khan praised the collective resolve of India’s youth. “Paper leak is a very serious issue, and I am glad to know n see that the kids of our country have come together for a better educational system, and their parents supported them. I truly appreciate the stand they have taken, showing dedication, sincerity, and keenness to study hard n make their future and a greater, educated India,” he added.
The Core Appeal: Keep Politics Out
Khan was emphatic that the student agitation must not be co-opted by political actors. “This issue is between the students and the educational system, it should not be hijacked politically, the credit should only go to the students of our country,” he wrote. He expressed confidence that the government would respond constructively, calling the outcome a “win-win situation.”
Notably, the protests have drawn attention from multiple political quarters, with various parties seeking to align themselves with the student cause — precisely the scenario Khan cautioned against.
Vision for India as an Education Hub
Khan went further, articulating a broader aspiration for India’s educational future. “Education should be the next trend and fashion… itna k bahar se log come to India to study and India becomes an educational hub,” he said, blending Hindi and English in his characteristic style.
He described the current generation of students as “driven and motivated towards education” and predicted they would be the face of political change that India needs, adding that they “will make India proud.”
Context: Paper Leak Protests and the Film Backdrop
The student protests were triggered by widespread allegations of examination paper leaks, which have shaken public confidence in India’s competitive examination system. The demonstrations, initially peaceful, reportedly turned violent after certain groups attempted to steer the movement for political ends.
Khan’s comments come as he prepares for the release of his upcoming film ‘Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace’. His intervention adds a high-profile celebrity voice to a debate that has so far been dominated by politicians and student leaders. With the government yet to announce concrete remedial measures, the protests are expected to continue.
Point of View
And his explicit warning against political hijacking implicitly calls out parties that have rushed to plant their flags on the student movement. The paper leak crisis exposes a structural failure in India’s examination infrastructure that no single government can fully own or disown. What is missing from Khan’s otherwise well-meaning post — and from most of the public discourse — is any demand for institutional accountability: who ran the leaks, how deep the network goes, and what systemic overhaul would actually prevent recurrence. Solidarity is welcome; specificity is what the students need.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Salman Khan say about the Delhi student protests?
Salman Khan posted on X on 22 July urging students not to let their protests be hijacked politically, calling the paper leak agitation a peaceful and courageous movement. He said credit for the andolan should belong solely to the students.
What triggered the student protests Salman Khan commented on?
The protests were sparked by widespread allegations of examination paper leaks, which undermined public trust in India’s competitive exam system. The demonstrations, initially peaceful, reportedly turned violent after certain groups attempted to politicise the movement.
Did Salman Khan criticise the government over the paper leak issue?
Khan did not directly criticise the government. He expressed confidence that the government would support students and described the potential resolution as a ‘win-win situation,’ while reserving his sharpest words for political actors attempting to co-opt the protest.
What is Salman Khan’s vision for Indian education?
In his post, Khan called for education to become India’s next major trend and expressed hope that India would evolve into a global education hub, attracting international students. He described the current generation as driven and motivated to make India proud.
Which film is Salman Khan currently promoting?
Salman Khan is gearing up for the release of ‘Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace.’ His comments on the student protests came around the same period as his promotional activities for the film.
