K Annamalai Breaks Silence on NEET-UG Row, Questions Government’s Handling of Student Protests

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai on Wednesday, July 22, questioned the Central government over the delay in initiating talks with protesters demanding accountability over alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leaks. Annamalai, who recently parted ways with the BJP, asked why meaningful engagement with students began only after the agitation had escalated.

In a detailed post on X, Annamalai said he has consistently supported the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), arguing that the examination brought uniformity to medical admissions and provided students from underprivileged backgrounds an opportunity to pursue medical education. However, he said repeated question paper leaks had damaged confidence in the system. Sonia Sehrawat ‘Instagram Story’: RAF Commandant’s Alleged Social Media Post on CJP Protesters Triggers Debate.

K Annamalai Questions Centre Over Delay In NEET-UG 2026 Protest Talks

K Annamalai Raises Concerns Over Repeated Paper Leaks

Annamalai said the alleged leaks had placed additional pressure on students who had to repeatedly face the examination process despite the system failing to ensure fairness.

He wrote on X: "Over the past many years, I have taken a personal stand in support of the NEET examination, arguing that it brought uniformity in student selection across the country and gave students from underprivileged backgrounds a real shot at pursuing their dream of medical education. In the last 5 years, the NEET UG question paper has leaked thrice. Imagine the amount of pressure that it puts on students, who had to go through the examination process yet another time when the system that was supposed to bring in uniformity was failing. Yet there was no accountability, and I believe strongly that it was that moment that brought in a shift in the minds of the students to take to the streets to cry their hearts out."

Questions Delay In Government Dialogue

Calling protest a “fundamental right in a democracy”, Annamalai questioned the Centre’s approach towards the ongoing agitation. ‘Ministers Should Come to the People’s Court’: CJP Rejects Meeting at JP Nadda’s House, Lists Conditions To End Protests.

He said: "Protest is a fundamental right in a Democracy. The pertinent question, however, is this: why did the BJP-led Central Government take so long to initiate a dialogue with the protestors? Why was meaningful engagement delayed until the protest had escalated to a flashpoint? What kept you waiting?"

The protests have been held at Jantar Mantar and other parts of Central Delhi, with students and activists demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Warns Against Diversion Of Protest Demands

Annamalai also cautioned protest leaders against allowing the movement to be influenced by individuals with unrelated agendas. He said prolonged protests often attract people with vested interests who may attempt to shift focus away from the original demands.

He wrote: "The students and the people who are leading them also have a responsibility here. It is natural that when a protest stays on for weeks, people with vested interests will take the stage to air views that are either completely irrelevant to the initial demands of the protests or would try to completely hijack it to serve their agenda. If you remain silent and let these people with vested interests further their agenda, then you are deviating from your core objectives. Please do not let it happen!"

Calls For Transparency And Action

Urging the government to address student concerns, Annamalai called for direct engagement and transparent communication.

He said: "I urge the BJP-led Central Government to engage in meaningful dialogue, uphold transparency, and take swift, appropriate action to address the concerns at hand."

He added: "The strength of any nation lies in the confidence its youth place in its institutions. If our students lose faith in the fairness and credibility of our education system, we are jeopardising the future of our nation."

NEET-UG Protest And Security Concerns

The protests witnessed clashes, tear gas shelling, allegations of excessive force by police, counter-allegations of violence by protesters, detentions and disruption in parts of central Delhi.

Earlier, Annamalai had also questioned the extensive security arrangements put in place for the NEET-UG re-examination. He raised concerns over the deployment of multiple security measures, including CRPF and CISF escorts for question papers, Indian Air Force airlift support, AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, biometric and facial recognition checks, multiple rounds of frisking and monitoring by the Prime Minister’s Office.

On May 12, the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) held on May 3 for medical admissions amid allegations of paper leak.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2026 06:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).