Cinema VinesIn the wake of the police crackdown on students in Delhi on 20 July, protests have spread to cities across India. In Chennai, rapper Arivu joined the movement by staging a demonstration outside the Tamil Nadu Secretariat on 21 July. The protest was a response to the use of lathis and tear gas against students marching in Delhi during the Chalo Sansad rally, which was aimed at challenging the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam and its alleged irregularities.
Arivu was detained by Chennai police while outside the Secretariat. He was then taken inside the building, where he met Minister Adhav Arjuna. Contrary to circulating rumours that he had met Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, the singer clarified that he did not meet the CM. In a statement posted on social media, Arivu said he had spoken to Minister Arjuna about the violence against protesting students and urged the government to stop the brutality.
The rapper’s statement read: “On 21 July 2026 morning, I raised my voice in front of the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, urging the Government of India to immediately stop the violence being inflicted on the students protesting in large numbers in Delhi against the NEET examination and the irregularities surrounding it. I also appealed to the Government of Tamil Nadu to extend its support to the protesting students.” He added that the NEET exam has caused “fear and uncertainty” among students, leading to the loss of lives and threatening the nation’s future. He called for the complete abolition of NEET and urged the Tamil Nadu government to intensify its efforts.
Arivu also addressed the media directly, stating: “On 21 July 2026, at the Secretariat, I met Hon’ble Minister Mr. Adhav Arjuna. During the meeting, I conveyed that the use of violence against protesting students is against the very spirit of democracy. I did not meet the Hon’ble Chief Minister. I wish to clarify this in view of media reports stating otherwise.” He concluded his note with a message of solidarity: “I express my wholehearted solidarity with the students across India who are peacefully and democratically protesting against the NEET examination. In solidarity, Arivu.”
The incident drew criticism from former Deputy Chief Minister and actor‑producer Udhayanidhi Stalin, who condemned the government’s handling of the rapper. The protests in Chennai, like those in other cities, reflect growing discontent with the NEET exam and the perceived heavy-handed response from authorities. The situation remains tense as students and activists continue to demand reforms and an end to what they see as violent suppression of their rights.
