Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra weighed in on the ongoing student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Thursday, calling for a stronger education system while stressing that the issue transcends political divides. His statement came as demonstrations over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and examination irregularities continued to gather nationwide support.
Without taking a political position or directly commenting on the confrontation between protesters and authorities, Bindra talked about the importance of safeguarding educational opportunities for young Indians.
CJP Protests at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi: UPDATES
“I have never considered myself a political person. But I do believe that some issues belong to all of us, regardless of where we stand. Education is one of them,” Bindra wrote on social media.
The Beijing 2008 champion added that an education system built on merit and trust is essential for the country’s future.
“The measure of a nation is found not only in its economy or its achievements, but in the opportunities it creates for its young people. An education system that inspires confidence, rewards merit and nurtures curiosity is one of a nation’s greatest strengths,” he wrote.
Ending his message on a hopeful note, Bindra urged all stakeholders to work together for future generations.
“I hope we can all unite and work together to continually strengthen our education system, so that it remains a source of opportunity, innovation and hope for generations to come,” he wrote.
WHY STUDENTS ARE PROTESTING
The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), began after the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and have since evolved into a nationwide movement demanding greater transparency and accountability in India’s examination system.
Students have called for stricter safeguards against paper leaks, systemic reforms, compensation for affected candidates and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The agitation started at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 20 before culminating in the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20, when thousands of students attempted to march towards Parliament. Clashes broke out after police stopped the procession, drawing widespread criticism and further fuelling the protests.
The movement has also spread to Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Rajasthan, with demonstrations taking place in several cities. Activist Sonam Wangchuk later joined the protest and began an indefinite hunger strike in support of the students’ demands. While organisers have urged him to end his fast, Wangchuk has maintained that he will do so only after receiving assurances that no retaliatory action will be taken against protesters.
BINDRA JOINS GROWING CHORUS OF VOICES
Bindra’s statement comes at a time when the protests have sparked a wider national debate on the credibility of competitive examinations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government would establish fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks, while reiterating that protecting students’ interests remained a priority.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the government’s handling of the issue, while former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh also appealed for dialogue between the authorities and student representatives.
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