The recent protests in Chennai against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) saw Tamil Nadu Education Minister Raj Mohan, actor Sanam Shetty, and various DMK activists facing significant resistance from demonstrators. The students involved made it clear that the agitation was not to serve as a platform for political messaging or personal endorsements. Discontent was particularly aimed at individuals displaying political affiliations as protesters halted speakers who they felt diverted focus from their main demand to abolish NEET.

The location of the protests has been the CPI state headquarters Balan Illam, which has acted as the main venue for gatherings since the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) began an indefinite sit-in on July 20. Supporters, volunteers, and members gathered there, holding placards and chanting slogans in favour of their cause, which primarily revolves around the abolition of NEET.

A significant moment occurred when a group of youths, accompanied by activist and DMK supporter Julie and wearing “GenZ DMK” T-shirts, attempted to enter Balan Illam. They were quickly rejected by the protesters, marking a clear stance against the infiltration of political branding within their movement.

Actor Faces Backlash for Political Comments

In a similar vein, Tamil Nadu Education Minister Raj Mohan visited the site following Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation but encountered a hostile response. While asserting the need for unity among students across political lines in the quest to abolish NEET, he was met with loud chants of “Marina, Marina”, in reference to police closures at Marina Beach, stemming from fears that protesters might converge there for further demonstrations against NEET.

The meeting concluded with protests calling out “Veliye po, veliye po” directed toward Raj Mohan as he attempted to voice his commitment to student issues amidst rising tensions.

Call for Total Abolition of NEET Continues

The protests began in response to incidents involving excessive police force, particularly during detentions of members from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), affiliated with CPI(M), in various parts of the city. Mrithula, the SFI state chief, emphasised that merely resigning Dharmendra Pradhan would not resolve underlying issues, insisting on the necessity of abolishing NEET.

Amidst the crowd, Prince Gajendra Babu, an advocate for Anitha’s campaign against NEET, stated that the examination was designed to benefit private medical institutions. He described the examination as part of a larger conspiracy against medical education, labelling the students resisting it as patriots for their efforts.

Following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the CJP concluded its protest. However, the Left parties have committed to continue advocating for the complete abolition of NEET.

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