Edappadi K. Palaniswami, General Secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), sharply criticized the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in Tamil Nadu for its handling of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) issue.
In a statement, Palaniswami expressed deep concern over the recent suicide of a student named Gautham from Narasothipatti near Suramangalam, reportedly due to stress related to NEET.
Palaniswami accused the DMK of making false promises to abolish NEET during their 2021 election campaign, stating that the party’s assurances have not materialized, leading to continued distress among students. He highlighted that since the DMK assumed power, there have been 24 student suicides linked to NEET-related stress.
He also criticized Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and his son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, for previously claiming to have a “secret” method to eliminate NEET, questioning why this solution has not been revealed or implemented.
Palaniswami urged students not to lose hope and emphasized the importance of considering the impact of their actions on their families. He called on the DMK leadership to publicly apologize for their unfulfilled promises regarding NEET.
The NEET examination has been a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu, with debates over its impact on students and the state’s education system. The AIADMK and DMK have exchanged criticisms over the implementation and handling of NEET, reflecting the ongoing political tensions surrounding the exam.
Earlier, EPS announced a protest to be held in Thanjavur on May 23. The demonstration aims to highlight the AIADMK’s concerns over the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government’s handling of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) issue and the state’s law and order situation.