The NEET controversy in Tamil Nadu has reignited after a tragic incident in Chennai, where NEET aspirant R. Darshini reportedly died by suicide due to exam-related stress. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has strongly criticized Chief Minister MK Stalin and the ruling DMK government, holding them accountable for the growing number of student suicides linked to NEET.

Edappadi K. Palaniswami Holds DMK Government Responsible for Student Deaths

நீட் தேர்வு அச்சத்தால் சென்னையில் தர்ஷினி என்ற மாணவி தன் இன்னுயிரை மாய்த்துக்கொண்டதாக வரும் செய்தி அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கிறது.

நீட் என்ற தேர்வை நாட்டிற்கே அறிமுகப்படுத்தி, கூட்டணி கட்சியுடன் சேர்ந்து அதனை உச்சநீதிமன்றம் வரை சென்று வாதாடி, தமிழ்நாடு மாணவர்களின் மருத்துவக் கனவை சிதைத்திட…

— Edappadi K Palaniswami-SayYEStoWomenSafety&AIADMK (@EPSTamilNadu) March 29, 2025

Taking to social media, EPS expressed his shock over the incident, calling it a result of the DMK’s failure to fulfill its promise of scrapping NEET. He accused the ruling party of misleading students and their families for electoral gains while allowing the exam to continue, leading to repeated tragedies.

AIADMK Chief Blames CM MK Stalin on NEET Aspirant Suicide

Palaniswami listed the names of 19 NEET aspirants who have died by suicide since 2021 and questioned CM Stalin directly: "How many more lives will be lost before your secret plan to abolish NEET is revealed? The bloodstains of these students will remain on your hands forever."

He further alleged that despite DMK’s pre-election promise that NEET would be abolished in Tamil Nadu if they came to power, the party failed to act decisively after forming the government. The former CM demanded a permanent solution to the NEET issue, urging the state to stop deceiving students and their families.

In an emotional appeal, EPS addressed students directly, urging them not to succumb to pressure. "Life is precious, and the world is vast. Don’t give up. Instead, fight and succeed. Victory will come to you," he wrote, calling for resilience and determination among aspirants.

With elections approaching, the NEET debate has once again taken center stage in Tamil Nadu politics, intensifying the clash between AIADMK and DMK. The issue remains a deeply sensitive one, as the state continues to grapple with its stance on medical entrance exams and their impact on students' mental well-being.