Ranvir Shorey slams political backing of abusive student protesters, warns of consequences
Synopsis
Ranvir Shorey has called out political parties for shielding abusive student protesters during the NEET paper leak agitation, arguing that those normalising such conduct for electoral gain are 'even more dangerous' than the protesters themselves — and warning they will have no standing to object when the behaviour is turned on them.
Key Takeaways
Ranvir Shorey criticised political parties for defending abusive student protesters in a video shared on 29 July .
Shorey warned that those backing misconduct for 'political benefit' should not complain when the same behaviour is directed at them.
The protests were linked to the NEET paper leak controversy and included demands for the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan .
Following Pradhan's exit, Prahlad Joshi was appointed as the new Education Minister .
Proposals to strengthen the anti-paper leak law with tougher punishments were reportedly opposed by opposition parties.
Actor Ranvir Shorey on 29 July publicly criticised political parties for defending student protesters who used abusive language during demonstrations linked to the NEET paper leak controversy, warning that normalising such conduct would have lasting consequences. Shorey shared his views in a video posted to his social media account, drawing attention to what he described as a dangerous precedent being set for political gain.
What Shorey Said
In the video, the actor did not mince words about those who have chosen to justify the protesters' conduct. 'I was watching the kind of abuses being hurled. The people defending these abuses don't realise that when the other side starts doing the same, they shouldn't cry later,' Shorey said.
He went further, arguing that defenders of such behaviour are more culpable than the protesters themselves. 'The people defending this are even more dangerous because they know they are defending the wrong thing. Right now, they are doing it for political benefit, hoping a government changes. In the process, they are spoiling children by telling them such behaviour is acceptable. I am only saying that if you're saying 'so what' today, don't complain tomorrow when the other side starts doing the same,' he added.
The NEET Paper Leak Backdrop
Shorey's remarks come amid a charged political atmosphere surrounding the NEET paper leak protests, which had earlier escalated into calls for the resignation of the then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Following Pradhan's departure from the post last week, Prahlad Joshi was appointed as the new Education Minister.
In the wake of the controversy, proposals were reportedly floated to strengthen the existing anti-paper leak law, including tougher punishments and greater transparency in examination processes. Opposition parties, however, strongly opposed these measures, according to reports.
Political Reactions and the Protest Movement
The videos of students using abusive language during the protests went viral, triggering a sharp divide — with some political voices defending the conduct as an expression of frustration, and others, including Shorey, arguing it sets a harmful social norm. Critics argue that lending political cover to such behaviour, regardless of the underlying grievance, ultimately erodes civic discourse.
Notably, the NEET controversy has become one of the most politically charged education-related crises in recent memory, touching on systemic failures in competitive examination integrity.
About Ranvir Shorey
Shorey has been a part of the Bollywood film industry for over two decades and has previously appeared as a contestant on the reality show Bigg Boss. He has consistently used his public platform to comment on social and political issues.
Whether his remarks will add pressure on political parties to reconsider their positioning on protest conduct remains to be seen, as the NEET debate continues to unfold in Parliament and on the streets.
Point of View
In any other context, would draw swift condemnation. Political parties defending abusive language are making a short-term electoral calculation, but the longer-term cost is a lowered threshold for acceptable public discourse — one that will be difficult to raise again. The irony is that the students most harmed by the paper leak deserve advocates who strengthen their cause, not ones who hand opponents a deflection. Shorey is not wrong that the normalisation problem belongs as much to the defenders as to the protesters.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ranvir Shorey say about the NEET paper leak protests?
Ranvir Shorey criticised political parties for defending student protesters who used abusive language during the NEET paper leak agitation, arguing they are doing so for 'political benefit' and warning that normalising such conduct will have consequences. He said those saying 'so what' today should not complain when the same behaviour is directed at them.
Which political controversy prompted Shorey's remarks?
Shorey's comments were prompted by viral videos of student protesters using abusive language during demonstrations demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak. The protests had earlier led to calls for the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Who is the current Education Minister after Dharmendra Pradhan's exit?
Prahlad Joshi was appointed as the new Education Minister following Dharmendra Pradhan's departure from the post.
What changes to the anti-paper leak law were proposed?
Following the NEET controversy, proposals were reportedly floated to strengthen the existing anti-paper leak law by introducing tougher punishments and greater transparency. Opposition parties strongly opposed these proposals, according to reports.
Who is Ranvir Shorey?
Ranvir Shorey is a Bollywood actor with over two decades in the film industry, also known for appearing as a contestant on the reality show Bigg Boss. He is known for publicly commenting on social and political issues.
