Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 22 (ANI): Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Wednesday strongly condemned the detention of Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during protests at Lok Kalyan Marg, calling it a direct “attack on democracy.”
In an official statement, the TVK extended its complete support to the opposition parties, who are holding protests within the Parliament complex.
“Arrest of several leaders, including the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who joined the protest in Delhi against the irregularities in the NEET examination, is an attack on democracy. The Union Government’s actions are highly condemnable. Condemning yesterday’s unfortunate incident, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) extends its full support to the protest being held today by the Opposition parties within the Parliament premises,” TVK said.
TVK further asserted that the NEET system has devastated students and their families across the nation and must be abolished entirely.
“The party noted that with regard to the NEET examination, TVK’s uncompromising stand is that the NEET system must be abolished completely. We will never make false promises or exploit this issue for electoral gains. The NEET examination has severely affected not only students but also their families,” the statement read.
The party further noted that if examinations like NEET are to be abolished, education must first be transferred to the State List. “That alone can provide a permanent solution,” the party said.
“If there are any constitutional or legal hurdles in doing so, then, as an interim measure, a Special Concurrent List should be created to grant greater powers to State Governments. This would enable States to exercise full authority over education, including medical education,” it added.
“The Union Government must respect the sentiments of the people and the aspirations of students. As a reflection of that commitment, the NEET examination must be abolished entirely. We once again reiterate that this is the only effective solution to this issue,” the statement said.
The deadlock in Parliament over opposition demand for resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and insistence on NEET-UG paper leak discussion under specific rule continued on Wednesday with the government stating that it is ready for debate but the opposition members should not put new conditions.
Rajya Sabha faced several adjournments amid the standoff and was later adjourned for the day.
When the House assembled at 2 pm after its adjournment earlier, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said Pradhan should resign for a fair discussion to take place.
“If there has to be a fair discussion, Education Minister should resign first. Until he resigns, there won’t be a fair discussion here,” he said.
Opposition members, including DMK’s Tiruchi Siva, demanded discussion under Rule 267, which entails suspension of specific rules related to listed business in the Rajya Sabha. (ANI)
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