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Vijay Varma and Huma Qureshi back Delhi protesters seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, with Huma saying peaceful dissent is not a crime.
Vijay Varma and Huma Qureshi react to protests demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Several Bollywood actors have spoken out in support of protesters in Delhi who have been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The demonstrations were organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with protesters gathering around Jantar Mantar and other parts of the capital. Amid detentions and heightened police presence, Vijay Varma and Huma Qureshi reacted on social media, though their responses took very different forms.
Vijay Varma Takes A Sarcastic Dig At Gyanesh Kumar
Vijay Varma responded to the controversy with a sarcastic Instagram post.
The actor shared a picture of Gyanesh Kumar carrying the words, “The face of free and fair election.” Another line on the post read, “Saving private gyan,” a play on the title of the Hollywood film Saving Private Ryan.
Vijay extended the joke in his caption, writing, “Happy to the see the forces joining together to save our national hero. Protect him at ANY cost.”
The post appeared to take aim at the support surrounding the Chief Election Commissioner at a time when protesters were demanding his resignation.
The Delhi demonstrations had been called over allegations concerning the SIR exercise. Protesters have sought accountability over the process and raised questions around the revision of electoral rolls.
Huma Qureshi Condemns Detention Of Peaceful Protesters
Huma Qureshi, meanwhile, issued a much longer statement after protesters were detained.
The actress argued that peaceful protest and the right to demand accountability were essential democratic rights.
“We are the world’s largest democracy. The right to peaceful protest and the demand for accountability are fundamental democratic rights, not favours granted by those in power,” she wrote.
Huma continued, “Peaceful dissent is not a crime. Asking questions is not a crime. Demanding accountability is not a crime. A democracy must allow its citizens to raise their voices without fear of intimidation or harassment.”
She also criticised any attempt to suppress peaceful demonstrations.
“Suppressing peaceful protest undermines the very values we claim to uphold,” Huma added.
‘I Stand With No Political Party’
Huma also made it clear that her statement was not an endorsement of any political party or individual.
“Let me be clear: I stand with no political party or individual. I stand with citizens demanding accountability, with peaceful protesters, and with every Indian exercising their democratic right to dissent,” she wrote.
The actress further said she was aware that speaking publicly could invite criticism or other consequences.
“My love for this country is precisely why I cannot remain silent. I know speaking up may invite abuse, personal attacks, scrutiny of my finances, or professional consequences. So be it. I have nothing to hide, nothing to apologise for, and no need to prove my patriotism,” she said.
She concluded her post by writing, “Patriotism is not blind silence. Democracy is not blind obedience. And dissent is not anti-national. The world is watching. We must do better. Jai Hind.”
Protesters Detained And Later Released
The protest in Delhi saw several demonstrators taken into custody as police tightened security around the planned gathering at Jantar Mantar.
CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke and Saurav Das were among those detained along with other protesters. They were later released.
Demonstrations nevertheless continued on Sunday. AISA president Neha Bora was also detained by Delhi Police at Connaught Place.
The protests have continued to draw attention online, with reactions from public figures adding to the wider debate around the detentions and the demand for accountability over the SIR process.
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Ask News18Protesters in Delhi have been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
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Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he\’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always…Read More
October 11, 2026, 20:25 IST