DMK President MK Stalin thanked Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit for granting assent to the Bill providing for 7.5% horizontal quota for NEET-qualified students of State government schools for admissions to undergraduate medical courses.
“After 45 days, the Governor has given his nod. He had no other option,” he said in a social media post.
Mr. Stalin claimed the protest organised by his party and the observation made by Madras High court may have been the factors behind the Governor changing his mind and clearing the legislation.
“Whatever it may be, it is a victory for social justice. Social justice will always win,” he said.
CPI (M) State secretary K. Balakrishnan termed the Governor’s move a victory for the united fight put up by the people of Tamil Nadu. A ploy to put the legislation on the back burner has been defeated, he said in a statement, pointing out that the Governor had granted his assent amid protests.
He said if the assent had been given earlier, it would have eased the pressure and stress among students, and urged Governors not to interfere with the autonomy of an elected government in the future.
He also urged Tamil Nadu government, political parties and the people of the State to continue their fight for getting exemption from NEET as well getting 50% reservation for NEET-UG students belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in medical and dental seats contributed to the All-India Quota (AIQ) by State government-run colleges in Tamil Nadu.
TNCC president K.S. Alagiri said the Governor should respect the sentiments of the people of the State and that he should explain the delay in giving his assent to the quota Bill.
Mr. Alagiri accused the Governor of acting like a puppet in the hands of the BJP at the Centre. He said Mr. Purohit was forced to give assent to the Bill after being left with no choice due to the pressure by political parties.
