Tamil Nadu Assembly Unites Against NEET, BJP MLA Exits in Protest

The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking the abolition of NEET for undergraduate medical admissions in the state. The move received support from the DMK, AIADMK, Congress and several other parties, while the BJP’s lone MLA opposed the resolution and walked out of the House.

Assembly Backs Resolution Against NEET

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on August 11 passed a resolution urging the Union government to abolish the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical admissions in the state.

The resolution was moved by Tamil Nadu Health Minister K. Arunraj. During the discussion, the government argued that NEET was against social justice, equality and the rights of states. The resolution seeks changes to the relevant central laws so that Tamil Nadu can move away from the common NEET-based admission system.

DMK, AIADMK and Congress Support Move

The resolution received broad political support inside the Assembly. The ruling side was joined by the DMK, AIADMK, Congress, PMK, DMDK, Left parties and other smaller parties in backing the demand.

The unusually wide support highlighted the long-running political opposition to NEET in Tamil Nadu. Supporters of the resolution argued that the examination places students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds at a disadvantage and increases dependence on expensive private coaching.

The state government also argued that students should be given greater importance for their performance in Class 12 board examinations when seeking admission to medical colleges.

BJP MLA Stages Walkout

The BJP’s lone MLA opposed the resolution and staged a walkout from the Assembly during the proceedings. His exit marked the only significant dissent against a resolution that otherwise received support across party lines.

The BJP has consistently defended NEET as a common national entrance examination designed to bring uniformity and transparency to medical admissions.

Demand Now Goes to Centre

The resolution does not by itself abolish NEET across Tamil Nadu. Instead, it formally renews the state’s demand for an exemption and calls for changes at the national level.

Tamil Nadu has repeatedly opposed NEET, making the examination a major political and educational issue in the state. The latest Assembly resolution is expected to put renewed pressure on the Union government to consider the state's demand.