The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday (July 28, 202) renewed its demand for scrapping the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) in the Lok Sabha, arguing that the proposed amendments to the anti-paper leak law fail to address the “core issue” of the medical entrance examination itself.

During the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran said Tamil Nadu had consistently opposed NEET since its introduction and accused the Centre of ignoring the State’s concerns.

“Enough is enough, ban NEET, abolish NEET. Do not go for ‘One India, One Examination’. Our strength comes from our diversity,” Mr. Maran said, claiming that 26 students in Tamil Nadu had died by suicide over the examination.

He claimed NEET disadvantaged first-generation learners and students from State boards while benefiting coaching centres. Citing official figures, he said nearly 22 lakh students appear for NEET every year, around 12 lakh qualify, but there are only about 1.39 lakh undergraduate medical seats.

Questioning the rationale for retaining the examination, Mr. Maran asked whether NEET had improved the quality of doctors, reduced infant mortality, strengthened rural healthcare or addressed the shortage of doctors. He also referred to alleged irregularities in examinations, including the 2024 and 2026 NEET controversies.‘

We’re not your enemy’

Mr. Maran further alleged that he and NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule were unable to use WhatsApp broadcast lists for three days because of forwarding restrictions, and criticised what he described as the government’s unequal treatment of social media platforms.

Joining the debate, Ms. Sule urged the government to respond to the issue with “empathy, compassion and sensitivity”. She demanded an all-party meeting and the constitution of a Joint Parliamentary Committee to examine the controversy.

“We are not your enemy,” Ms. Sule said, urging the government to treat the matter with greater seriousness.

Published - July 28, 2026 10:58 pm IST