Protests demanding the abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) escalated in Tamil Nadu, with student and youth groups organizing demonstrations in various districts. They called for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down due to alleged irregularities in the exam process. In Coimbatore, activists from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) protested in solidarity with students in New Delhi.
The protesters criticized the government for not addressing concerns about the exam’s integrity and accused them of responding to peaceful protests with police action instead of dialogue. DYFI Coimbatore District Secretary Dinesh Raja condemned the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and demanded his immediate release. The organizations also condemned the Tamil Nadu Police for detaining protesters in Chennai, Madurai, and Mayiladuthurai.
Student leaders raised questions about the lack of a designated public protest venue in Tamil Nadu similar to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. They reiterated their demand for the complete abolition of NEET, arguing that medical college admissions should be based on Class XII board exam marks. SFI and DYFI announced a 48-hour sit-in protest in Coimbatore to push for their demands but were later removed by the police.
In Chennai, members of the CJP continued their agitation for the third day, pressing the government on the NEET issue. Protesters called for the exam’s abolition and proposed a fairer alternative admission system for students nationwide.
