TVK condemned the detention of Rahul Gandhi during the NEET protest and called it an ‘attack on democracy’. The party reiterated its demand to scrap NEET and transfer education to the state list, while also supporting the opposition’s protest in Parliament.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [भारत]July 22 (ANI): Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) on Wednesday strongly condemned the detention of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi during a protest on Lok Kalyan Marg, calling it a “direct attack on democracy”.
In an official statement, TVK extended its full support to the opposition parties protesting inside the Parliament complex.
TVK said, “The arrest of several leaders, including Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who participated in the protest in Delhi against the irregularities in the NEET examination is an attack on democracy. The action of the Central Government cannot be condemned enough. Condemning yesterday’s unfortunate incident, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) extends its full support to the protest being conducted by the opposition parties in the Parliament complex today.”
Demand to abolish NEET completely
TVK further stressed that the NEET system has devastated students and their families across the country and should be completely abolished.
“The party said that with regard to the NEET exam, TVK’s unwavering stand is that the NEET system should be completely abolished. We will never make false promises or exploit this issue for electoral gains. The NEET exam has badly affected not only the students but also their families,” the statement said.
The party further said that if exams like NEET have to be abolished, then first of all education should be transferred to the state list.
“This is the only lasting solution it can provide,” the party said.
It further said, “If there are any constitutional or legal obstacles in doing so, then as an interim measure, a special concurrent list should be created to provide more powers to the state governments. This will give the states complete authority over education, including medical education.”
“The Central Government must respect the sentiments of the people and the aspirations of the students. As a reflection of that commitment, the NEET exam should be completely abolished. We reiterate once again that this is the only effective solution to this issue,” the statement said.
Deadlock continues in Parliament
The deadlock in Parliament continued on Wednesday over the opposition’s demand for resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and insistence on discussing NEET-UG paper leak under special rules. The government said it is ready for debate, but opposition members should not put forward new conditions.
Amidst this deadlock, Rajya Sabha had to be adjourned several times and later it was adjourned for the day.
When the House resumed at 2 pm after the first adjournment, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said Pradhan should resign for a fair discussion. He said, “If there is to be a fair discussion, the education minister should first resign. Unless he resigns, there will be no fair discussion here.”
Opposition members, including DMK’s Tiruchi Siva, demanded a discussion under Rule 267, which involves suspending specific rules related to listed business in the Rajya Sabha. (ANI)
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