Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement has sparked contrasting reactions within the Punjabi entertainment industry, with several prominent actors and singers expressing sharply different opinions over the student-led agitation and the police action that followed in Delhi.
While some artists have extended their support to the protesting students and questioned the use of force by the authorities, others have chosen to distance themselves from the campaign, arguing that public support should not be extended without understanding the movement’s background.
Diljit Dosanjh Calls for Dialogue Instead of Force
Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh urged the government to address the concerns of students through meaningful discussions rather than confrontation.
Speaking on the issue, Diljit said young people raising questions about their future deserve to be heard with patience and respect. He maintained that democratic societies must value public voices and warned against suppressing peaceful protests. The actor also remarked that expressing his opinions has previously invited criticism and legal challenges, but insisted that speaking for students remains important.
Sonu Sood Appeals for Compassion
Actor Sonu Sood also criticised the handling of the protests, saying students need empathy instead of police action.
He appealed to the authorities to resolve the matter through dialogue, stressing that those demanding accountability should not be treated as adversaries. According to him, listening to students is the first step towards finding a lasting solution.
Jasbir Jassi Urges Political Restraint
Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi called for keeping politics away from the issue.
He said students should be treated like the nation’s own children and that their concerns deserve serious attention. Jassi urged political parties to avoid exploiting the situation for electoral gains and instead focus on addressing the genuine issues raised by young aspirants.
Sonam Bajwa Shares Emotional Message
Actress Sonam Bajwa reacted to the developments with a brief but emotional social media post.
Without naming any individual or organisation, she questioned whether asking questions had become unacceptable and accompanied her message with a broken-heart emoji. The post was widely interpreted as a response to the police action against student protesters.
Babbu Maan Questions Support for the Movement
Singer Babbu Maan, however, adopted a different stance, expressing reservations about extending unconditional support to the agitation.
He reflected on Punjab’s long history of sacrifices—from Partition to the 1984 tragedy and the farmers’ movement—and questioned why Punjabis are repeatedly expected to lead or support every national protest.
Maan also asked whether the present leadership of the CJP had stood with Punjab’s farmers during the 2020–21 agitation. He argued that before joining any movement, people should carefully evaluate its leadership and objectives rather than acting on emotion alone.
Entertainment Industry Reflects Wider Public Divide
The differing opinions from well-known Punjabi personalities mirror the broader national conversation surrounding the CJP-led protests. While one section believes the movement is fundamentally about protecting students’ rights and demanding accountability, another believes the issue should be approached with caution and examined beyond emotional reactions.
As the protest continues to dominate headlines, the voices from Punjab’s entertainment industry have added another dimension to the debate, highlighting how the movement has generated not only political discussions but also divided opinion among public figures with significant influence.
