NEET by itself is "irregularity," alleges DMK
Chennai (PTI): The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test per se is an "irregularity," Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK alleged on Saturday and wondered how such a test could be conducted without defects.
The Dravidian party's official organ, 'Murasoli,' in an editorial argued yet again against the test and referred to 'news reports' that a high level committee of experts has submitted a 'report' to the Centre to hold the national test online to prevent irregularities.
"The exam, NEET by itself is an irregularity. How an irregular exam can be conducted without irregularity?" the editorial dated November 2, 2024 asked.
The Supreme Court on October 21, 2024 extended by two weeks the time granted to the Centre-appointed seven-member expert panel to file its report on exam reforms after reviewing the National Testing Agency's functioning in holding the NEET-UG. The top court took note of the fact that the report of the panel was almost complete and granted two more weeks for filing the same.
Murasoli, citing media reports, said that the 7-member panel's recommendations include online test and hybrid model in places where online test could not be conducted. "These (recommendations) will only pave the way for more irregularities. This will benefit more the gang of impersonators. These will be useful only to those who sit for the test in a single exam centre after studying in a single coaching centre."
Citing instances of alleged impersonation witnessed in some northern states during physical NEET tests, the Tamil DMK daily pondered the outcome of an online exam. "That will not be an online exam. That will only be an (aspirant) impersonation test."
NEET facilitated medical education only for some, it kept off the crease those who had studied in state boards and in their mother tongue, the daily alleged.
Question papers are set favouring those who had studied under boards including the CBSE and it does not treat all (who had studied under various boards in different states) equally, it further alleged.
Furthermore, it lined up several other arguments against NEET.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
