Television actress Akanksha Puri has claimed that she was offered money to participate in the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. According to the actress, she was approached with an offer that included financial compensation, flight tickets, and hotel accommodation in exchange for attending the demonstration and supporting it on social media.
Her remarks come at a time when the student-led protests over alleged examination irregularities have drawn nationwide attention and widespread public debate.
‘I Was Offered Money, Flight Tickets and Stay’
Speaking to IANS, Akanksha Puri alleged that several actors, influencers, and content creators had received similar proposals. She claimed she was invited to travel to Delhi with all expenses covered, along with payment for participating in the protest and creating promotional social media content.
The actress, however, said she declined the offer, maintaining that genuine public causes should not be turned into marketing opportunities.
Supports Students, Opposes Commercialisation
While making the allegations, Puri clarified that she supports the concerns raised by students regarding examination issues. However, she said she does not wish to be associated with what she described as a “marketing campaign.”
According to the actress, public movements should remain focused on addressing genuine issues rather than becoming platforms for paid promotions or publicity. She urged influencers and celebrities to support causes based on conviction instead of financial incentives.
Claims Other Influencers Were Also Approached
Akanksha Puri further alleged that many people from the entertainment and digital creator community had received similar offers. She claimed that political groups or other interested parties were reaching out to content creators to increase the visibility of the protest through social media campaigns.
As of now, these allegations remain claims made by the actress, and no independent evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate them. There has also been no official response from the organisers of the protest specifically addressing her allegations.
Protests Continue in Delhi
The allegations come amid continuing demonstrations at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination paper leaks and demands for education reforms. The protests have attracted students, activists, and political leaders from different parts of the country and have remained at the centre of national attention over the past several days.
Authorities have maintained heightened security in the area while discussions between government representatives and protest leaders continue.
Debate Over Social Media and Public Movements
Puri’s comments have sparked fresh discussion about the role of influencers and celebrities in public campaigns. As social media increasingly shapes public opinion, questions about paid promotions, transparency, and authentic participation have become more prominent.
While the actress has urged people to support students for the “right reasons,” her allegations have added another dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding the protests. Any further developments are likely to depend on whether additional evidence emerges or if the parties concerned issue formal responses.
