Demand to allow Dravida Kazhagam’s campaign, Thirumavalavan appeals to the government
Chennai. Political activity regarding the NEET exam and reservations for backward classes has intensified once again in Tamil Nadu. Thol. Thirumavalavan, leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), has appealed to the government to intervene and ensure that police permission is granted for the state-wide two-wheeler rally proposed by the Dravidar Kazhagam. He stated that peaceful public awareness campaigns should not be obstructed in a democratic system and that organizations must have the full right to convey their message to the public.
In a statement issued on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Thirumavalavan asserted that the Dravidar Kazhagam’s campaign should be permitted. He noted that the youth, student, and women’s wings of the Dravidar Kazhagam had sought police permission to organize a two-wheeler rally across Tamil Nadu from July 30 to August 2.
He explained that the campaign aims to convey to the public the demand for the Central Government to abolish the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and to fully safeguard the reservation system for backward classes. According to him, this campaign is an attempt to present demands democratically and should receive administrative support.
Thirumavalavan stated that peaceful rallies, marches, and public outreach campaigns are constitutional rights of citizens and social organizations in a democracy. If an organization wishes to convey its message to the public while adhering to law and order, it should be granted the necessary permission. He added that imposing unnecessary restrictions on such campaigns could undermine democratic values.
The VCK leader remarked that the issue of the NEET exam has long been a subject of discussion in Tamil Nadu’s politics and society. Various political parties and social organizations in the state have consistently demanded that Tamil Nadu be exempted from NEET. They argue that the exam fails to ensure equal opportunities for students from rural areas and economically weaker sections.
He further emphasized that reservation for backward classes is a crucial pillar of social justice. In this context, if a public awareness campaign is being conducted on this subject, it deserves support as an exercise of democratic rights. He urged the government not to create any administrative hurdles for the campaign.
Thirumavalavan stated that the two-wheeler rally proposed by the youth, student, and women’s wings of the Dravidar Kazhagam aims to peacefully reach out to the public and spread awareness about issues related to social justice and education. He expressed hope that the administration would view the campaign positively and grant the necessary permission.
He further noted that issues such as social justice, education, and reservation have long been deeply connected to public sentiment in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, organizations that articulate their views on these subjects in a democratic manner should receive support. According to him, the expression of ideas and peaceful protest are hallmarks of a robust democracy.
So far, there has been no detailed official response from the police or the state government regarding this matter. It remains to be seen whether the administration will grant permission for the Dravidar Kazhagam’s proposed campaign. If permission is granted, issues concerning the ‘NEET’ exam and reservation could be raised on a large scale through the two-wheeler rally planned across the state from July 30 to August 2.
Political analysts believe that issues related to education and social justice have always played a significant role in Tamil Nadu’s politics. Consequently, both political parties and the general public will be closely watching the Dravidar Kazhagam’s campaign and the government’s stance on it.
