Ranvir Shorey says protesters should show strength in Parliament and at the ballot box, not on roads

A political agitation in Delhi has heated up the atmosphere, and opinion in Bollywood is now divided on it. Actor Ranvir Shorey has spoken openly about the CJP's agitation, which is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Shorey said those protesting should put their case through courts and democratic institutions instead of coming out on the streets. His statement has set off intense discussion on social media.

Responding to a video on the social media platform X, Shorey questioned the manner of the agitation. The video had appealed to people to take to the streets and continue the protest. Reacting to it, he spoke of turning to the institutions of the democratic system.

In his post, Shorey wrote: "Show your strength in Parliament and at the ballot box, not on the streets! And if the route to getting there seems wrong to you, go to court! This is the democratic way!"

He also objected to protests that affect public infrastructure and law and order. According to Shorey, occupying roads and holding public facilities and the law-and-order machinery hostage is in fact the "murder of democracy".

Some Bollywood artistes have reportedly questioned the way the administration has dealt with protests. Some artistes, including Huma Qureshi, Sonakshi Sinha and Vijay Varma, are said to have responded on the issue. Shorey's stand has drawn particular attention in this context.

Views differ on how to balance the right to protest with public order.

Reactions on social media to Shorey's statement have been mixed. Some users back him and point to the inconvenience protests cause ordinary people, while others stress the right to protest and the importance of registering dissent in a democracy.