Actor Saumya Tandon has strongly condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters in Delhi, calling the scenes “deeply disturbing.” Thousands marched against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, facing lathi charge and tear gas. Tandon emphasized dialogue over confrontation in a democracy.
Key Points
Approximately 50,000 protesters marched in Delhi demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
Security forces reportedly used lathi charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd marching towards Parliament.
Actor Saumya Tandon condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters, calling it "deeply disturbing."
Several public figures, including Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj, have also expressed support for the students.
Massive Protests Erupt in Delhi
As many as 50,000 protestors took to streets in the national capital on Monday to demand the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, according to HT reporters on ground.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called for a march from Jantar Mantar, where the protestors have been camped for a month, to the Parliament, attracting a huge response, with thousands descending on the designated protest site on Monday. It was met with several challenges. This included lathi charge and use of tear gas shells by security forces to disperse the crowd marching towards the Parliament.
Saumya Tandon Condemns Police Action
Actor Saumya Tandon , who was last seen in Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar The Revenge , has now expressed concern over the lathi charge on Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) march, questioned the use of force against non-violent protesters. She took to her X account and wrote, “The scenes from the student protests are deeply disturbing. While there have been reports of violence in some places, including instances of stone pelting, that should not justify the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters.”
She added, “It is heartbreaking to see so many young people in turmoil. A democracy is strongest when disagreements are met with dialogue, not confrontation. I hope the government engages with the students, listens to their concerns, and works towards a peaceful resolution.”
Celebrities Rally Behind Protesters
On Monday, the protest turned violent as demonstrators marched towards Parliament. According to Delhi Police, protesters displayed aggressive and violent behaviour, refused to disperse despite repeated warnings and violated prohibitory orders in force. The protesters, however, alleged that police personnel used force indiscriminately, resulting in injuries to several demonstrators. Several public figures, including Shabana Azmi , Pratibha Ranta and Prakash Raj , have expressed support for the students. Although the protesters met representatives of the central government on Tuesday, the agitation is continuing.
Saumya Tandon’s outspoken criticism highlights growing celebrity concern over the Delhi protests. Her call for dialogue reflects a broader sentiment among public figures advocating for peaceful resolution and accountability from authorities regarding the use of force.
