In a significant political mobilization, actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party launched coordinated protests across Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, vehemently opposing the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions. The statewide agitation saw participation from thousands of party workers and supporters who gathered at multiple locations to demand exemption from the controversial examination.
Statewide Demonstrations Gain Momentum
The protests unfolded simultaneously in key urban centers including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, and Salem, demonstrating the party's organizational strength and the widespread resentment against the national medical entrance test. Party cadres carrying black flags and banners with anti-NEET slogans created a visible presence at strategic locations, particularly near district collectorates and major government offices.
In Chennai, the party's headquarters witnessed one of the largest gatherings, with senior TVK leaders addressing the crowd about what they termed as "the injustice faced by Tamil Nadu students" under the NEET system. The protestors argued that the examination disproportionately disadvantages state board students compared to those from central boards, creating an uneven playing field in medical education.
Political Demands and Student Concerns
The primary demand raised during the protests was the complete exemption of Tamil Nadu from NEET, allowing the state to return to its previous admission system based on Class 12 marks. Party representatives highlighted how numerous economically disadvantaged students from rural backgrounds have been particularly affected by the examination pattern and coaching culture it has fostered.
TVK officials emphasized that their protest was not merely symbolic but part of a sustained political campaign. The party has positioned itself as the champion of Tamil Nadu's rights and educational autonomy, tapping into the longstanding political sentiment in the state against national entrance examinations that many believe undermine the state's educational framework.
Emerging Political Force Makes Its Mark
This statewide protest marks one of the first major political actions by TVK since its formal launch, signaling Vijay's intention to establish the party as a significant force in Tamil Nadu politics. The successful organization of simultaneous protests across multiple districts demonstrates the party's growing organizational capabilities and public reach.
The timing of the protests is particularly significant as it comes amid ongoing debates about medical education accessibility and states' rights in determining educational policies. With several political parties in Tamil Nadu historically opposing NEET, TVK's aggressive stance on this issue positions them within this political tradition while appealing to student communities and parents concerned about educational equity.
As the protests concluded peacefully across the state, party leaders vowed to continue their struggle until the central government addresses their demands. The mobilization has undoubtedly marked TVK's entry into the core political discourse of Tamil Nadu, setting the stage for more confrontations on educational policy matters in the coming months.
