Akanksha Puri Says She Rejected Offer to Endorse CJP Protest, Calls for Honest Support
Mumbai: Actress Akanksha Puri has claimed that she was approached with financial incentives to support the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, alleging that she was asked to create promotional social media content in favour of the demonstration. The actress said she turned down the proposal, stressing that student movements should be supported sincerely rather than being treated as promotional campaigns.
Speaking to ANI, Puri alleged that she was offered money, flight tickets, and hotel accommodation to travel to the protest site and publish reels in support of the agitation. According to her, several other digital creators also received similar proposals.
“I chose not to accept the offer because I believe students deserve genuine support,” she said, adding that public movements involving young people should never become opportunities for publicity or marketing.
The actress appealed to political leaders to engage with the concerns of students instead of using the protests to enhance their own visibility.
Actress Akanksha Puri exposed Paid campaign behind CJP Protest pic.twitter.com/oKKBy8P5Ny
— Tajinder Bagga (@TajinderBagga) July 24, 2026
She said the focus should remain on listening to the demands of the students rather than turning the issue into a political or promotional exercise. According to Puri, those participating in the demonstrations are seeking to have their voices heard, and their concerns should be addressed with seriousness.
Expressing concern over the treatment of protesters, Puri said she was deeply disturbed by visuals showing students being injured during the demonstrations. She added that she was equally disappointed to see social media content being created around their suffering instead of highlighting the core issues they were raising.
Calling students the future of the country, the actress said they have every democratic right to peacefully express their opinions and demand accountability. She urged the public to stand by them and ensure their concerns are not overshadowed by online trends or publicity campaigns.
Responding to criticism directed at members of the film industry for speaking about the protests, Puri said every individual chooses to contribute in their own way. She noted that public figures are often criticised regardless of how they participate, with some accusing them of seeking attention while others question why they are not doing more.
According to the actress, people should recognise that support can take different forms and avoid judging every effort through the lens of publicity. She maintained that many individuals are trying to amplify the students’ concerns in the best way they can.
Puri’s remarks come amid continuing debate over the role of influencers, celebrities and political groups in student-led protests, with questions being raised about the use of social media campaigns and digital promotion during public movements.
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