Ex-IRS official on 20-day anti-NEET fast, says Vijay in Sangh grip

CHENNAI: Former IRS officer B Balamurugan, who began an indefinite hunger strike on July 27 demanding Tamil Nadu's exemption from NEET and the resignation of the Chief Justice of India and Union Home Minister, completed 20 days on Saturday, alleging that the TVK government was acting at the behest of the BJP and RSS.

Balamurugan told DT Next that he launched the hunger strike at his residence in Tiruvottiyur after police and officials denied his requests for a venue. "I started my hunger strike on July 27 at my house because police and officials denied my request for a space. I have completed 20 days. The TVK government denied me a venue and tried to suppress my protest. It is acting on the instructions of the BJP and RSS," he alleged.

Balamurugan said his demands included the resignation of the CJI over his reported remarks concerning cockroaches, the resignation of the Union Home Minister over the alleged brutal attack on students in Delhi, and an exemption for Tamil Nadu from NEET. "Until these demands are met, I will continue my hunger strike," he said.

Balamurugan was suspended in January 2024, two days before his retirement, after writing to the President of India seeking the dismissal of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Meanwhile, S Manirathinam, brother of S Anitha and a prominent anti-NEET activist who had also undertaken a hunger strike in Chennai demanding the abolition of NEET and recently concluded his protest, met Balamurugan at his Tiruvottiyur residence and extended his support. Manirathinam appealed to the State government to intervene, hear Balamurugan's demands and take steps to resolve the issue.