Chennai: Former transport minister and DMK's Tiruchi strongman K. N. Nehru has stoked a political row by claiming that he would have allowed students to ‘copy’ in Neet if he or his government had failed in their efforts to exempt them from appearing before the national entrance exam.
"If I were not able to get exemption from Neet for Tamil Nadu students, as ministers we would have allowed students to copy in the examination. We would have done that for sure," Nehru told a protest rally against Neet in Tiruchy.
“Students copy in Bihar and they copy in Madhya Pradesh. Copying is being allowed in these states and you expect only students from Tamil Nadu to be epitome of honesty?” Nehru asked at the meeting. He was referring to examination scam in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh where undeserving students made it to the top in the ranking list.
The former transport minister, whose influence holds sway in Tiruchi and neighbouring areas, was speaking at a meeting organised by DMK's parent body, Dravidar Kazhagam, against holding Neet in Tamil Nadu.
Nehru's comments triggered a major political controversy at a time when the students are preparing to appear for the Neet scheduled in the first week of May.
Political parties and educationists condemned Nehru's statement saying his remarks have caused “great insult” to the student and youth community in TN.
“Only those who have copied in their examination would make such ridiculous statements. Those people who have come up in life through honest means would never make such statements or remarks. By making these copy statement, Nehru has insulted the youth of Tamil Nadu,” fisheries minister D. Jayakumar told DC castigating the DMK leader.
As far as the Tamil Nadu Government is concerned, Jayakumar said, the stated policy is to get permanent exemption from NEET. “However, we cannot remain mute to the realities. The government while trying to get exemption for NEET has launched training centres to prepare students for such exams,” Jayakumar said.
The BJP also reacted sharply saying such statement is “unbecoming” of a senior leader of the principal opposition party.
“The DMK has assured on so many things and this is yet another such promise to fool the people. Those who know about the DMK will understand that what it says on Neet will never materialise. Moreover such a thing is not possible. It will only add to more confusion among the students and parents, especially when the court has clearly delivered its verdict,” former TN BJP chief C.P. Radhakrishnan said.
