Chennai: PWD minister Aadhav Arjuna on Tuesday said political equations in India would change after the 2029 elections, paving the way for abolition of NEET in parliament.Speaking in the assembly on the ninth death anniversary of Ariyalur student S Anitha, who died by suicide in 2017 due to NEET failure, Aadhav said Union govt had ignored Tamil Nadu’s opposition despite resolutions passed by successive state govts.“Whether it was former chief ministers M K Stalin or Edappadi K Palaniswami or the present chief minister C Joseph Vijay, all have opposed NEET. But the Union govt has refused to listen,” he said.Calling for a united fight beyond political differences, Arjuna said, “I say this with certainty. When the political situation changes in 2029, our first voice would be against NEET. NEET will be thrown out.”Urging students not to lose hope, he said, “No more lives should be lost over NEET”. “The day will come when victory will be ours. We will pursue politics to seek an answer to Anitha’s tears,” he said.Leader of the opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin raised concerns over the police’s denial of permission for a memorial event by Anitha’s family. Arjuna attributed the denial to anticipated crowds for the Besant Nagar Velankanni church festival.Aadhav said the issue should not be politicised, leading to loud dissent by opposition members. “We have no intention of politicising it,” Udhayanidhi said. He rejected the minister’s explanation and sought immediate permission for Anitha’s brother to hold the meeting. Aadhav said he would consult the chief minister and arrange another venue.
