Tamil Nadu NEET opposition protests

Protests against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) have persisted across Tamil Nadu, with demonstrators demanding a total ban on the medical entrance examination to protect the interests of marginalized students. In Chennai, activists and academics have maintained long-term sit-ins, while former IRS officer Balamurugan has conducted an indefinite hunger strike for nearly three weeks.

While the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution against the exam, the Bharatiya Janata Party criticized the move, arguing that NEET is conducted under Supreme Court orders.

Amidst the unrest, the state government faced backlash after issuing an order to restrict students from participating in political demonstrations organized by Left parties and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The original directive, issued on August 14, instructed university registrars, educational departments, and police to take coordinated action to prevent student involvement in these specific demonstrations.

The CJP labeled the order “unconstitutional,” “illogical,” and “irrational,” arguing it infringed upon the democratic right to peaceful protest. While the BJP supported the directive, suggesting students should focus on education, the government reversed its stance on August 19 following the political backlash. The withdrawal means the restrictions on student participation in CJP and Left-led agitations are no longer in effect.