Diljit Dosanjh Responds to Critics: “Don’t Teach Punjabis How to Fight”

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has responded to criticism over his perceived silence on political issues and his alleged lack of support for student protests. Addressing an audience of more than 70,000 people during the opening show of his India tour in Delhi, Diljit said that Punjabis do not need to be taught how to fight for their rights.

His remarks came amid criticism from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which had accused the singer of maintaining distance from political issues and not supporting the student movement.

During his performance, Diljit addressed the audience and explained that he was an artist who preferred to remain silent on certain matters. However, he made it clear that his silence should not be interpreted as a lack of support for the people.

He said:

"I love all of you because I am an artist, brother. If I am silent, let me remain silent. I support all of you. But don't teach Punjabis how to fight."

The statement drew attention because of the ongoing criticism surrounding his position on political and student-related issues.

CJP Had Questioned Diljit's Silence

During protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), the organisation had criticised Diljit for not openly expressing his position on political developments and for allegedly failing to support the student movement.

The criticism raised questions about the responsibilities of public figures and whether popular artists should use their influence to support political or social causes.

Diljit's remarks in Delhi appeared to address these criticisms, although he did not directly name the organisation during his speech.

CJP Leader Abhijeet Deepke Issues an Open Letter

Following Diljit's remarks, CJP leader Abhijeet Deepke responded through an open letter shared on social media.

In the letter, Deepke presented his position on the controversy and apologised to the singer.

The response brought a new development to the disagreement between the organisation and the popular Punjabi performer.

The exchange has also drawn attention to the broader debate over the relationship between artists, political activism and public expectations.

The Debate Over Artists and Political Expression

Diljit Dosanjh's statement highlights an important question: should artists be expected to publicly comment on every political or social issue, or should they have the freedom to choose when and how they express their views?

While public figures often face expectations to use their influence for social causes, their decision to remain silent on particular issues does not automatically establish their position on those matters.

In this case, Diljit reiterated his support for the audience while maintaining that he should be allowed to decide how he expresses himself.

The subsequent apology from CJP leader Abhijeet Deepke marks a new development in the controversy. However, the exchange has brought renewed attention to the expectations placed on celebrities who have a strong public following.