Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader, Anbumani Ramadoss, has accused the DMK of playing a “double game” in NEET issue and attempting to deceive the public.
During election campaigns, the DMK had made a bold promise to the electorate that it would secure an exemption from NEET for the state. This promise resonated with many in Tamil Nadu who have long been critical of NEET due to concerns about its impact on medical admissions and social equity. However, more than two years after coming to power, the DMK has changed its approach by initiating a signature campaign to gather public support for its stance on NEET, he said.
Anbumani expressed his disappointment with the DMK’s strategy, labeling it as a deceptive move. He argued that the DMK’s actions are tantamount to playing with the emotions and aspirations of the people who had put their trust in the party’s earlier commitment to abolish NEET.
NEET, a nationwide medical entrance examination, has been a subject of significant debate and controversy in Tamil Nadu and several other states. Critics argue that NEET disadvantages students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, favoring those who can afford expensive coaching and resources. The exam has often been seen as a hurdle for many deserving students in gaining access to medical education.
Anbumani Ramadoss also pointed out that NEET has become a lucrative industry, with a massive annual turnover of around Rs one lakh crore through the involvement of various stakeholders driven by commercial considerations. This financial aspect raises questions about the motivations behind the DMK’s changing stance on NEET, he added.