Post Pradhan’s resignation, protestors in Chennai say abolishing NEET is their goal

As Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tendered his resignation from the Cabinet on Saturday, protesters at the CPI State Office continued their demonstrations, now seeking the abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

On Saturday, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced on X that they would withdraw their nationwide agitation, stating that all their demands, including Pradhan’s resignation and compensation for the families of the deceased who ended their lives over the NEET paper leak, were met by the Union government. However, placards and speeches throughout Chennai’s CPI State office echoed that the resignation was only the beginning.

Human rights activist and movement co-ordinator Thirumurugan Gandhi spoke to The Hindu about the goal for the extended protest. “While NEET abolition is the larger demand, we want assent (from the Centre) for the exemption of Tamil Nadu from NEET,” he said.

Those associated with the CJP were also keen on extending their demonstrations. Isai Prakash, 32, CJP organiser, stated that the group’s withdrawal from agitation in Delhi did not mean that their tune would change in the South. He told The Hindu, “The (CJP’s) demand was met; they succeeded. It took 25 days to get the Education Minister to resign; we are willing to sit for 100 days, as long as the Centre gives the State control over education,” he added.

Mr. Gandhi delivered a rousing speech in the evening, congratulating protestors on their major demand being met. He discussed the idea of changing venues, suggesting a larger party office or public space so that more protestors can gather. He stated that the State government should permit them to gather at Marina Beach, which was closed to the public on Thursday amid the protests. “The Marina Beach has hosted screenings of football matches and IPL matches, so why not now?” asked Mr. Gandhi. “The party in power in Tamil Nadu agrees with the cause against NEET, so I don’t see why it should be an issue,” he said.