Erode: Police Remove Student Activists During Anti-NEET Protest
On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, members of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) staged a road blockade near the Kalaimadu Statue in Erode, demanding the abolition of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protesters also condemned the detention of demonstrators who had participated in similar protests in New Delhi and Chennai. Raising slogans against NEET and calling for Mr. Pradhan's resignation, the students briefly blocked traffic. Police removed 10 SFI members involved in the road blockade and cleared the protest.
NEET, the national medical entrance test, has been a subject of controversy, with critics arguing it disadvantages students from rural areas and non-English medium backgrounds. Supporters maintain it ensures a uniform standard for admissions.
Meanwhile, Congress Lawyers' Wing secretary Rajendran had announced a hunger strike near the Gandhi statue at Karungalpalayam in support of the same demands. Following the announcement, police maintained a security presence as a precaution. However, Rajendran only garlanded the Gandhi statue and informed police that he would undertake the hunger strike after obtaining court permission, before leaving the venue.
