CM Stalin Challenges AIADMK's Integrity on NEET Abolition Amid BJP Alliance
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Synopsis
CM M.K. Stalin criticized AIADMK's integrity in calling for NEET's abolition while allied with BJP. The debate escalated with accusations of hypocrisy and double standards, as Palaniswami defended his party's stance.
Key Takeaways
- CM Stalin questions AIADMK's credibility.
- Debate on NEET leads to heated exchanges.
- Palaniswami defends AIADMK’s past actions.
- Accusations of hypocrisy from both sides.
- Discussion on political alliances and integrity.
Chennai, April 21 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, on Monday raised concerns regarding the AIADMK’s integrity in advocating for the abolition of NEET while maintaining an alliance with the BJP.
During a heated debate, CM Stalin remarked, “Opposition leader Palaniswami, who claimed just two months ago that he would not partner with the BJP in 2026 or even 2031, is now performing a dramatic U-turn. Who is he trying to deceive?”
The discussion on health grants in the Assembly became tense when Minister Sivasankar accused the AIADMK of enabling NEET’s introduction, likening it to a “bakery dealing” in the manner of a Vadivelu comedy. This incited strong protests from AIADMK members.
Palaniswami responded by stating that NEET was implemented during the Congress-DMK regime. In reply, CM Stalin stated: “Given the opportunity to rectify the error, do you possess the integrity to call for NEET’s abolition while being allied with the BJP?”
CM Stalin emphasized that while the DMK had committed to abolishing NEET, it had not formed a central government with its partners. Palaniswami retorted, asserting, “We did not ascend to power by deceiving the populace.”
The dispute intensified with CM Stalin persistently questioning AIADMK’s alliance strategy and their moral authority to demand NEET’s elimination.
Palaniswami defended the alliance, saying, “What’s wrong with forming an alliance? The DMK has done it too, and much earlier.”
After exiting the Assembly, Palaniswami spoke to the press, asserting that CM Stalin's comments were misleading. “NEET was introduced during the Congress-DMK era. It was not the AIADMK,” he stated.
He further explained that his party had attempted to halt NEET’s execution but faced judicial opposition. “We challenged NEET in court, and it was only due to the ruling that it was enforced during our administration.”
Palaniswami also pointed out that the DMK had vowed to abolish NEET in its 2021 election manifesto but failed to fulfill that promise.
Criticizing the DMK’s previous partnership with the BJP, Palaniswami accused CM Stalin of hypocrisy.
“When we ally with the BJP, it’s deemed unacceptable. But when the DMK did the same, it was acceptable?” he queried.
He referenced a 1996 Murasoli article by former Chief Minister Karunanidhi, where the DMK leader discussed efforts to counter false propaganda against the BJP among minority groups.
Palaniswami claimed the DMK was practicing double standards and trying to mislead the public.
“The DMK is instilling fear and confusion. Even during Income Tax raids at Anna Arivalayam, they were engaging with the BJP,” he alleged.
He concluded that CM Stalin’s behavior in the Assembly revealed the DMK’s apprehension. “We will build alliances to secure victory in the 2026 elections. Everyone does that. But Stalin’s anxiety indicates his fear of loss,” he stated.
