Keep faith in government: Shikhar Dhawan urges students to be patient during protests

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan urged students to remain patient and keep faith in the government amid CJP protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The former Indian opener’s statement came at a time when demonstrations over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and investigation irregularities continued to attract national attention and support from big names.

CJP protests at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi: UPDATE

In a statement on his official account, X Dhawan said that while it is imperative to understand the youth protesting for a cause, it is also important to have faith in the country’s institutions and the ruling government.

“Our youth are the future of our nation. It is essential to understand their dreams but at the same time it is equally important to remain patient in tough times and keep faith in the country’s institutions and government,” Dhawan said.

Dhawan went on to say that patience will be key in this hour.

“I believe the solution to every challenge will emerge with patience. India has always progressed and will continue to progress,” Dhawan said.

The statement from the former Indian opener comes after Yuvraj Singh also spoke about the protests and urged the government and the CJP to resolve their issues through dialogue.

“To every child, student, woman and man: you deserve the opportunity to learn in peace, grow in safety and follow your dreams,” Yuvraj wrote on Instagram.

“Your well-being is the foundation of a brighter India.

“Let’s build communities of care, opportunity and hope together.

“Through dialogue we can find an amicable solution for the sake of India’s future,” he added.

Olympic gold medalist and Shooting legend Abhinav Bindra also commented on the matter and called for a stronger education system while stressing that the issue transcends political divides.

WHY STUDENTS PROTEST

Nationwide student protests were sparked by allegations of paper leakage in the NEET-UG 2026 exam and have since grown into a larger campaign seeking sweeping reforms to India’s examination system. The demonstrations were led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

The key demands raised by the students include stricter measures to prevent future paper leaks, more transparency in the conduct of competitive exams, compensation for candidates hit by controversy and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The campaign began with a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on 20 June before reaching a flashpoint a month later during “Chalo Sansad” march on 20 July. Thousands of protesters tried to reach parliament but were stopped by police, leading to clashes that increased public attention to the movement.

What started in the state capital has since spread to several states, including Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Rajasthan, where students have staged demonstrations in support of the cause. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk later abandoned the movement and started an indefinite hunger strike. Despite repeated calls from organizers for him to end his fast, Wangchuk said he would continue until the authorities guaranteed that no repressive measures would be taken against the protesters.

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Published on:

Jul 23, 2026 12:42 PM IST