'DMK leaders have blood on their hands': NEET aspirant's death sparks political row in Tamil Nadu

A 21-year-old NEET candidate, Devadharshini, committed suicide in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, out of fear of performing poorly in the medical entrance exam ¹. The incident has created a new political controversy in the state, with opposition parties attacking the ruling DMK government.

AIADMK leader attacks DMK

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami attacked the DMK government, claiming that they have the blood of many NEET aspirants on their hands. He asked the DMK about their conscience, whether the ongoing "NEET deaths" in the state do not prick their conscience. Palaniswami also identified 19 students who supposedly took their own lives fearing clearing NEET between September 2021 and March 2025.

DMK's role in NEET's introduction

Palaniswami attributed the introduction of NEET to the DMK, as they were part of the Congress-led UPA between 2004 and 2013. He accused the DMK of misleading students by assuring them that NEET would not be conducted in Tamil Nadu if they came to power.

Demand for action

The AIADMK chief called for the DMK government to be held accountable for the death of the student and bring an end to the "NEET exam drama". He requested students to move ahead confidently and avoid negative thoughts.