Title: NEET Exam Controversy: BJP President Annamalai Speaks Out Against DMK and Affiliated Institutions
Tirunelveli: Amidst the ongoing debate surrounding the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam in Tamil Nadu, BJP President of the state, Annamalai, expressed his stance against the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and private colleges affiliated with the party during his 20-day Yatra in Palayangottai, Tirunelveli district.
Addressing the gathered crowd in front of the Tirunelveli Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Annamalai highlighted the importance of NEET for middle-class families and children of wage laborers, emphasizing that the exam is not against anyone but aims to provide equal opportunities for all aspiring medical students.
Drawing inspiration from the valiant history of the region, Annamalai invoked the heroic acts of Vanji Nathan, a freedom fighter who fought against the British at the age of 25. He also mentioned the unjust treatment of freedom fighters by the British, who were imprisoned in Palayamkot Jail.
Expressing concerns about the provision of women’s rights, Annamalai claimed that a significant fraud is taking place, with each family taking 27 months to find the head of the household. He also questioned the transparency of the funds allocated for Scheduled Caste communities, suggesting that the Chief Minister involve an IAS officer in verifying the disbursement of funds.
Annamalai further criticized Chief Minister Stalin’s administration, accusing it of polluting the Tamiraparani river, the primary source of drinking water in the region. He claimed that the Dravidian model government has prioritized borrowing, with Tamil Nadu now ranking first in debt accumulation since the DMK came to power.
Pointing out the government’s opposition to the NEET exam, Annamalai alleged that the DMK fears the potential loss of revenue for private medical colleges affiliated with the party. He laid blame on the DMK for inciting students to commit suicide and stated that NEET is not against the common man, middle-class families, or the children of wage laborers.
Citing the increase in the number of private medical colleges during the DMK’s rule, Annamalai mentioned that over a thousand government school students have enrolled in government medical colleges after passing the NEET exam. He emphasized that NEET is chiefly against the DMK and private colleges affiliated with the party, as well as against those who resort to corruption.
Shifting focus to social issues, Annamalai criticized the Dravidian model government’s failure to address caste-related concerns, claiming that they are focused on increasing caste divisions rather than abolishing them. He also highlighted the high prevalence of alcohol addiction in Tamil Nadu, with 19 percent of the population affected, and the state’s unfortunate reputation as a hotspot for mineral theft.
Rounding off his speech, Annamalai condemned the DMK rule, stating that it has been detrimental to Tamil Nadu. He asserted that the foundation for the Kachathivu island issue with Sri Lanka was laid during the DMK’s previous tenure. Annamalai also announced the release of a video showing the laying of the Kachchathivu tar later in the evening, pointing to what he believes to be a major political drama orchestrated by the DMK.
Lastly, Annamalai mentioned the upcoming implementation of the Vishwakarma Yojana, a scheme that offers interest-free loans to members of the Vishwakarma community, starting from September 17th.
As the NEET exam controversy continues to divide opinions in Tamil Nadu, Annamalai’s remarks shed light on the political dynamics surrounding the issue and provide insight into the BJP’s perspective on the matter.