BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut criticised the ongoing CJP protest near Parliament, saying demonstrations should not be used to “arm-twist” or pressure the government into deciding who should remain in office. Speaking to the media outside Parliament during the Monsoon Session on Monday (July 20), Kangana said that Parliament is the appropriate forum for debating public issues and discussing government decisions, rather than resolving such matters through protests.“Our Parliamentary sessions are meant specifically for us to discuss all issues in an extensive and detailed manner and to raise relevant questions,” she reacted.She also objected to protests that disrupt proceedings, saying the elected government has the mandate to govern without being pressured by demonstrations.”Creating a ruckus, causing disruptions, and protesting in this manner is not right. The people have elected a government, and it is their right to decide how they will run that government. If you feel so strongly, you should stand for election yourself. You cannot arm-twist the government into deciding who to sack and who to retain; this kind of arm-twisting is not acceptable. Gradually, everyone will seek refuge in the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Sanatan culture because this is our own culture, whereas everything else has been borrowed from the rest of the world,” Kangana added. Kangana Ranaut’s remarks came amid escalating CJP protests near Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session.Meanwhile, demonstrators attempting to march towards Parliament were met with heavy security deployment across central Delhi. The CJP alleged that police resorted to a lathi-charge to stop the protesters, a claim that Delhi Police denied, asserting that no such action had taken place.As the march continued towards Parliament, police later fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Authorities had earlier stated that permission for the march had not been granted and warned that any unauthorised procession towards Parliament would not be allowed.In a related development, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke ended his hunger strike, while activist Sonam Wangchuk announced that he would continue his indefinite fast from Safdarjung Hospital.
Bollywood support to Sonam Wangchuk protest
Sonam Wangchuk’s campaign for constitutional safeguards and environmental protection in Ladakh has received widespread support from several prominent voices in the film industry. Actor Prakash Raj has been one of the most vocal supporters, repeatedly requesting the government to engage in dialogue with Sonam Wangchuk and the other protestors, students and respect peaceful democratic protests.Veteran actress Shabana Azmi also backed Wangchuk’s movement, while her husband, celebrated lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appealing for meaningful dialogue and urging the Centre to address Ladakh’s concerns. Filmmaker Onir, actor Omi Vaidya, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah praised Wangchuk’s peceful approach. Also adding to the long list was singer-composer Vishal Dadlani and actor-environmentalist Dia Mirza who expressed solidarity with the activist, using their social media platforms to raise awareness about the movement and encourage public support.
