'Silence is a choice': Abhishek Banerjee asks Gen Z to question celebrities after student protests

When a movement ends, the debate over who stood with it often begins. As the dust settles on weeks of nationwide student protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, Trinamool Congress (TMCP) general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has turned the spotlight on celebrities, influencers and sports personalities who, according to him, chose to remain silent during the agitation. 

In a post on X on Sunday, Banerjee appealed directly to Millennials and Gen Z, saying the protests had demonstrated the strength of young people in a democracy.

He said the movement proved that determined citizens could compel even the most powerful governments to respond.

The TMC leader argued that the silence of several public figures throughout the protests was telling, regardless of whether it stemmed from fear, caution or self-interest.

According to him, those with large platforms had a responsibility to stand beside the country's youth during a defining moment.

Banerjee urged young Indians to think carefully before buying movie or match tickets or supporting content creators.

He asked them to reflect on whether the personalities they admire truly represent the values they believe in and whether those individuals stood by the people who contributed to their success.

He further said fame, influence and relevance are ultimately granted by the public, particularly young audiences.

Stressing that silence is also a conscious decision, Banerjee said history often judges not only those who speak up, but also those who choose not to.

Calling every ticket purchase, stream, view, like and follow an endorsement, he urged people to spend their attention as thoughtfully as they spend their money.

If public figures cannot stand with citizens when it matters most, he said, people should reconsider continuing to stand behind them.

Banerjee's remarks come after weeks of nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, a movement that culminated in Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stepping down on Saturday.