Actor Jyotika has publicly backed the nationwide protests against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), expressing solidarity with students demanding systemic reforms in the medical entrance examination and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The actor voiced her support via an Instagram post as demonstrations against NEET continued across multiple states on 25 July.

Growing Momentum Behind the Protests

Student organisations, youth groups, and political activists have sharply escalated their campaign in recent days, alleging serious irregularities in the conduct of NEET — including a question paper leak — and pressing the Union government for greater accountability. The protests gathered fresh momentum following a 'Sansad Chalo' march in New Delhi earlier this week, in which thousands of students and supporters marched toward Parliament. Heavy police deployment was reported at the site, and several demonstrators — including opposition leaders — were detained while attempting to reach Parliament, drawing widespread criticism from political figures, education activists, and members of the film industry.

What Jyotika Said

In her social media post, Jyotika appealed directly to the Education Minister: 'Dharmendra Pradhan, step down; resign. I stand with the students and the future of our nation, committed to a democratic India and educational reform.' She also praised the younger generation for raising its voice on education and democratic values, writing: 'To the Gen-Z generation — uninhibited and transparent — we are proud of you.'

The actor also acknowledged the role of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in mobilising the protests, and mentioned education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk and CJP leaders Abhijit Dipke and Saurav Das as inspiring role models for young people. 'As mothers, we wish to raise our children to be like you. Thank you, CJP, for making us fearless,' she wrote.

Tamil Nadu's Long-Standing Opposition to NEET

In Tamil Nadu, where resistance to NEET has remained particularly intense for several years, student unions and civil society organisations have continued to stage demonstrations, reiterating their demand for the scrapping of the examination altogether. The state has historically been at the forefront of opposition to NEET, arguing that the centralised test disadvantages students from state board curricula and rural backgrounds.

Wider Support From Public Figures

Jyotika's statement adds to a growing chorus of politicians, actors, educationists, and civil society voices demanding reforms to the NEET system and greater transparency in its administration. This is not the first time members of the film fraternity have weighed in on the NEET controversy — the examination has faced recurring scrutiny over alleged irregularities since its early editions. The latest wave of protests, however, appears to have drawn broader public participation than previous cycles, with the alleged paper leak serving as a catalysing grievance.

With pressure mounting from multiple quarters, the demand for a transparent, independent investigation into the alleged irregularities is likely to intensify in the days ahead.