The protest, helmed by Stalin's son and cabinet minister Udhayanidhi, is demanding NEET's abolishment.
DMK President and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M K Stalin, stands resolute in his determination to secure NEET exemption for the state, vowing to press forward despite the challenges. As the son of the CM, Udhayanidhi Stalin, spearheads a state-wide hunger strike advocating for the abolishment of the contentious National Entrance-cum-Eligibility Test (NEET), the ruling party's resolve remains unwavering.
Addressing the ongoing agitation from an unexpected setting - a wedding celebration - M K Stalin emphasized the DMK's relentless pursuit of NEET exemption. This commitment coincided with the party's strong protest against the exam, which has been a topic of contention due to alleged disadvantages it poses for Tamil Nadu students, as reported by PTI.
Taking a dig at the recent statements made by TN Governor RN Ravi, who opposed the state's anti-NEET bill, M K Stalin firmly stated that the matter is now in the hands of the President. He likened the Governor's role to that of a mere "postman," emphasizing the necessity for him to forward the state Assembly's concerns to the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The hunger strike, a fervent display of opposition against NEET, spanned across Tamil Nadu, except in Madurai where a rival party conference took center stage. However, the DMK's momentum remains unshaken, as the hunger strike is set to resume on August 23, ensuring the voices against NEET continue to reverberate.
Notably, the protest venue, Valluvar Kottam, witnessed a poignant tribute to fallen medical aspirants who purportedly succumbed to the pressures associated with NEET. Symbolic floral tributes were paid to these aspirants, while newlywed couples, driven by the cause, joined the protest wielding anti-NEET banners.
In his address, M K Stalin reiterated the DMK's longstanding opposition to NEET, tracing back to its inception. He recalled the party's promises leading up to the 2021 elections, vowing wholehearted efforts toward the abolition of NEET. This commitment resulted in the adoption of the exemption bill twice after the DMK's ascension to power, marking a significant stride toward the goal.
Yet, challenges persist as the bill awaits Presidential assent. M K Stalin pointedly highlighted the role of the President in deciding the fate of the bill, asserting that it's the Centre's advice that holds sway in this matter. He criticized the Governor for delaying the process and stressed the imperative for timely action.
The Chief Minister's unwavering determination found resonance among party members and leaders, with the DMK's Youth Wing, Students Wing, and Doctors Wing leading the charge in the ongoing strike. M K Stalin's resounding declaration echoed through the protest grounds: "This struggle will continue, DMK won't stop till NEET exemption is ensured. Whether or not in power, this movement is one that works for the people."
State Minister Duraimurugan echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the DMK's opposition to NEET has deep roots in its commitment to student welfare. The state Assembly's consistent resolutions against NEET reflect this commitment, and the anti-NEET bill's current status with the President underscores the urgency of the matter.