Shweta Tiwari slams Cockroach Janata Party:Actress says, 'It's using Sonam Wangchuk for its agenda'; Vivek Oberoi avoids comment

While several Bollywood celebrities have expressed support for the Cockroach Janata Party, actress Shweta Tiwari has taken a contrasting stand. Criticising the group, she alleged that it is using education reformer Sonam Wangchuk to further its own agenda. In a post shared on her official Instagram account, Shweta wrote, “Sonam Wangchuk is fighting for a genuine and deeply important cause—education and the future of our children. His mission deserves respect, and the government should seriously consider the concerns he has raised.” Shweta further clarified that her support was solely for Sonam Wangchuk and not for the Cockroach Janata Party. In her Instagram post, she wrote, "I also want to make it clear that I am neither associated with nor support the Cockroach Janata Party. I disagree with the way they are handling this issue. In my opinion, they are using Sonam Wangchuk's movement to advance their own political agenda, and I cannot support that." She added, "My support is only for Sonam Wangchuk and the cause he is fighting for—not for any political party or organisation seeking to gain from his movement." Vivek Oberoi faces backlash over his response Actor Vivek Oberoi also found himself at the centre of the debate after being asked about Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike. Instead of commenting on the issue, he said, "I'm an actor, not a political leader. I don't pay much attention to political matters." His response drew criticism on social media, with many accusing him of avoiding the question. At the same time, several Bollywood personalities have publicly voiced their support for Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janata Party. Aamir Khan says he is concerned Speaking during the screening of Lagaan at the London Indian Film Festival, Aamir Khan expressed concern over Sonam Wangchuk's health and ongoing fast, saying he was worried about him. Kiran Rao extends her support Before Aamir's remarks, filmmaker Kiran Rao had also backed Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janata Party. In a social media post, she wrote that she stood in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, Abhijeet Dipke, the Cockroach Janata Party, and everyone raising their voice for students' rights. She praised those participating in the hunger strike and thanked them for reminding people that every voice matters and that citizens should not remain indifferent to issues affecting education and justice. Omi Vaidya appeals for support Actor Omi Vaidya, best known for playing Chatur Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, also appealed to the public during the 16th day of Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. In a video message, Omi reminded viewers that Aamir Khan's character Phunsukh Wangdu in 3 Idiots was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, whom he described as an innovator, educator, engineer, and social reformer from Ladakh. "I've met him. He's an incredibly humble and inspiring person who has contributed so much. I urge everyone to learn about his work and understand what he's fighting for today," Omi said. He also expressed concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health, noting that after weeks of fasting, his blood sugar levels had dropped significantly. Omi went on to say, "This is an extremely serious issue. He's risking his health because he's deeply concerned about India's education system, the future of Ladakh, and environmental protection. Whether you agree with his views or not, I only hope that he stays safe. He's an inspiring individual, and I don't want anything to happen to him." Sonakshi Sinha Says It's Time to Speak Up Actress Sonakshi Sinha also voiced her support by sharing a video on Instagram. She said that while young people across the country are speaking up, there has been no meaningful dialogue on the issues being raised. Calling herself one of the country's youth, Sonakshi said she felt compelled to speak because she cares about India's future. In the video, she questioned the continued silence around the matter, saying, “I just want to ask—when will enough be enough? Will people only wake up after these protesters lose their lives? And if that happens, who will take responsibility? What's happening isn't right, and I couldn't stay silent any longer.” Fatima Sana Shaikh calls for dialogue Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh also voiced her support on social media, noting that it had been 19 days since Sonam Wangchuk began his hunger strike. She said no one should have to wait so long just to have their concerns heard. Fatima added that someone like Sonam Wangchuk, who has made significant contributions to the country, should not be forced to risk his health to draw attention to important issues. She stressed that, regardless of political differences, safeguarding the future of students should remain a priority. Expressing hope for a peaceful resolution, she urged the authorities to engage in dialogue and wished for Wangchuk's good health while calling on people to support a better future for the country's youth. Comedian Samay Raina also shared Sonam Wangchuk's picture and wrote that he hopes and prays that Wangchuk remains safe and that a solution to this entire matter is found soon through dialogue. Surendra Sharma appealed to Sonam Wangchuk Poet Surendra Sharma released a video message addressed to Sonam Wangchuk. He made an emotional appeal to Wangchuk to end his fast unto death. Sharma said that the country needs leadership like Sonam Wangchuk, and therefore, one should not risk their life for the resignation of a minister. He said that the country is bigger than any single resignation, and millions of youth today consider Wangchuk their voice. Sharma said that if anything happened to him, the hopes of the youth would be shattered. Finally, he appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast in the national interest and continue the struggle. More celebrities rally behind Sonam Wangchuk Several other film personalities have also extended their support to Sonam Wangchuk's campaign. Actors Soni Razdan, Shabana Azmi, Rubina Dilaik, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap have shared messages backing his cause on social media. Actress Swara Bhasker visited Jantar Mantar to meet Wangchuk in person and express her solidarity. Actor Prakash Raj had also earlier visited the protest site to lend his support. Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters day 20 Sonam Wangchuk is currently on the 20th day of his hunger strike, which he joined as part of the Cockroach Janata Party's protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. As the protest continues, an increasing number of Bollywood celebrities have come forward to publicly support Wangchuk and his movement.