'Undemocratic': Vijay condemns Rahul Gandhi's detention, backs NEET protest

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday condemned the detention of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders in New Delhi, describing the police action against student protesters as "undemocratic."

In a statement posted on X, Vijay said the TVK stood firmly with Opposition parties protesting inside the Parliament complex following the police crackdown on demonstrators who took part in the 'Sansad Chalo' march.

Vijay also reiterated the TVK's opposition to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), saying the party has consistently demanded its permanent abolition.

He said the party would not use the NEET issue to make electoral promises, stressing that the examination had caused immense hardship to students and their families.

Calling for structural reforms in the education system, Vijay said the permanent solution was to move education from the Concurrent List to the State List, allowing states to decide their own admission policies.

As an interim measure, he suggested that the Union government create a Special Concurrent List to give states greater control over school and medical education.

Vijay said the TVK had already presented both its long-term and interim proposals at the party's educational awards function. He urged the Centre to respect the sentiments of students and the people of Tamil Nadu and withdraw NEET.

His remarks came amid protests across the country over allegations of question paper leaks, examination irregularities and concerns about the transparency of the medical entrance examination.

On Monday, thousands of students, youth organisations and political activists participated in the 'Sansad Chalo' march in New Delhi. The protesters demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, justice for students affected by the NEET controversy and comprehensive reforms to the examination system.

The protest saw heavy police deployment, barricading and baton charges as demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament. Several protesters and Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, were detained during the demonstration.

In Tamil Nadu, student organisations and political parties also held protests condemning the police action in Delhi and renewed their demand for the abolition of NEET.