Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Public Works and Sports Development, Aadhav Arjuna, strongly criticized the NDA government at the Centre for its handling of protests related to the NEET paper leak in New Delhi. He condemned the police action against students and Opposition leaders, labeling it as an assault on democracy. Arjuna reiterated Tamil Nadu’s historical opposition to NEET and highlighted the nationwide support the movement has garnered.
The Minister emphasized that Tamil Nadu was the first state to voice opposition against NEET, which has now evolved into a widespread campaign across the country. He pointed out that students from various regions of India are advocating for reforms in the examination system, expressing concerns about its fairness and centralization. Arjuna defended the students’ right to peaceful protest and called on the Union government to address their grievances instead of resorting to forceful suppression.
Arjuna criticized the use of force by authorities against peaceful demonstrators in New Delhi, stating that such actions were unacceptable in a democratic nation. He condemned the detention of Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, viewing it as an attack on democratic principles. The Minister urged for the complete abolition of NEET and advocated for greater autonomy for states in formulating admission policies aligned with their educational frameworks.
Reaffirming the Tamil Nadu government’s stance, Arjuna pledged to pursue all legal avenues to eliminate NEET and safeguard the interests and future of students. He assured continued support for students in their quest for a fair and inclusive higher education admission system.
