Bollywood actors Vijay Varma and Huma Qureshi have voiced support for citizens protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with Varma taking a sarcastic swipe at the authorities and Qureshi asserting that peaceful dissent and demands for accountability are fundamental democratic rights.
Their reactions came amid protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The demonstrations, which sought Kumar's resignation, witnessed large-scale detentions and heightened security restrictions in the national capital on Saturday.
While Varma used a satirical social media post to question the protection being extended to the Chief Election Commissioner, Qureshi issued a strongly worded statement condemning the detention of peaceful protesters and defending citizens' right to question those in power.
Varma's sarcastic swipe
Taking to Instagram, Varma shared a photograph of Kumar accompanied by the words "The face of free and fair election" and "Saving Private Gyan", a play on the title of Steven Spielberg's acclaimed war film Saving Private Ryan.
The 1998 film, starring Tom Hanks, follows a military mission to locate and rescue an American paratrooper during World War II.
Through the reference, Varma appeared to mock what he portrayed as efforts by the authorities to shield the Chief Election Commissioner from public criticism. "Happy to the see the forces joining together to save our national hero. Protect him at ANY cost," the actor wrote in the caption, retaining the sarcastic tone of the post.
The remarks drew attention as the controversy surrounding the protests and the detention of demonstrators continued to dominate political discussions.
Qureshi defends dissent
Qureshi, meanwhile, expressed concern over the treatment of protesters and stressed that citizens should be able to seek accountability without facing intimidation or harassment. In a statement shared on Instagram, the actress said India, as the world's largest democracy, must protect the right to peaceful protest rather than treat it as a privilege granted by those holding power.
She argued that questioning public institutions and demanding accountability were legitimate democratic activities and should not invite punitive action. Qureshi said suppressing peaceful demonstrations weakened the constitutional values that democratic institutions were expected to uphold.
The actress also clarified that her statement was not an endorsement of any political party or individual. She maintained that her support was for citizens exercising their democratic rights, irrespective of their political affiliations.
‘Patriotism is not blind silence’
Qureshi acknowledged that speaking publicly about the protests could expose her to criticism, personal attacks, scrutiny of her finances or professional consequences.
However, she maintained that such possibilities would not prevent her from expressing her views. The actress said her concern arose from her commitment to the country and its democratic principles rather than allegiance to any political organisation.
"Patriotism is not blind silence. Democracy is not blind obedience. And dissent is not anti-national," she wrote, concluding her statement with an appeal for greater respect for democratic freedoms. Her remarks placed particular emphasis on the distinction between opposing the government and exercising the constitutional right to disagree with its decisions.