Reports from Chennai say the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leadership has reprimanded its ally, the Communist Party of India (CPI), for providing space for an anti-NEET protest at the party’s office in T. Nagar.
According to the report, a group described as the “Karappan Janata Party” had earlier held a protest in Delhi over an alleged NEET question paper leak and then sought to continue demonstrations in Tamil Nadu. The CPI reportedly allowed the group to use its headquarters, Balan Illam, for the Chennai protest.
CPI functionaries are quoted as saying the protest was initially framed against the BJP, but later “changed direction” and included criticism of the TVK government and Chief Minister Vijay. They also claimed the protest began targeting the film “Jananayagan,” in which Vijay acted.
The report further says TVK, after learning about the shift through the intelligence wing, warned CPI state secretary Veerappandian. Despite attempts to rein in the messaging, the final day allegedly saw slogans and placards directed against the chief minister and the TVK government.
Following this, CPI is said to have told TVK that the protest’s tone had changed on the last day and assured it would not recur. The report adds that the episode has triggered internal debate within CPI over whether it should respond to TVK’s objections.
