Olympic medallist wrestler Bajrang Punia visited Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to express support for students protesting over the alleged paper leak and examination irregularities, while former wrestler and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Babita Phogat appealed to social activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike.
The student protest against the alleged paper leak and examination irregularities has been continuing for several days. The protesters have demanded transparency in the education system and accountability for those responsible. Alongside political parties, reactions from members of the sports and entertainment sectors have also emerged over the movement.
Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia visited Jantar Mantar to express support for the student protest. He also shared a video on social media in which he commented on government policies and the current political situation.
In his statement, Punia levelled allegations against the government and said those in power should answer questions raised by the public. In his video message, he also referred to Lord Ram and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya while criticising the central government.
Following his remarks, political debate intensified on social media. Punia has previously expressed his views publicly on farmers' issues and other social matters. His visit to Jantar Mantar during the student protest has been viewed as support for the movement.
BJP leader and former wrestler Babita Phogat also commented on the student movement through social media. She appealed to social activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike.
Babita Phogat said people were concerned about Wangchuk's health because of his work in the interest of society. She urged him to end his fast and take care of his health.
She also expressed confidence in the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the government is sensitive and committed to addressing students' concerns. Babita said the central government has undertaken several initiatives for youth employment, skill development and a better future.
She added that dialogue and democratic processes are the appropriate means to resolve issues related to public and national interest.
During the student protest, a march to Parliament was called on 20 July. Reports emerged of clashes between protesters and police during the march. Following police action and claims that protesters were injured, political and social reactions to the movement intensified.
Subsequently, people from various fields expressed their views on the students' demands. Earlier, cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Shikhar Dhawan were among the sports personalities who also reacted to the issue.
