Chief Minister Vijay opposes NEET again, says Tamil Nadu students deserve better
Days after the NEET re-examination, Chief Minister Vijay renewed his opposition to the test in the Assembly. He also rejected language imposition and called for unity on Tamil Nadu's welfare.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has once again criticised the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), telling the Assembly that the examination places students from the state at a disadvantage.
Replying to the Governor's address, Vijay said educational policies should work in the interests of students rather than create additional barriers for them.
His comments came just days after the NEET re-examination was conducted on June 21 following the cancellation of the earlier test over alleged irregularities and a paper leak.
'NEET IS UNFAIR TO TAMIL NADU STUDENTS'
Opposition to NEET has remained a major issue in Tamil Nadu for several years, with political parties arguing that the national medical entrance examination places students from different educational backgrounds on an unequal footing.
While reiterating his government's stand, Vijay maintained that Tamil Nadu's concerns over the examination remain unresolved. The debate has gained fresh attention after reports of two medical aspirants allegedly dying by suicide within a span of 24 hours in the state.
The re-examination itself saw large participation, with over 1.42 lakh candidates from Tamil Nadu appearing at 307 centres across the state. Many students later told PTI that the Physics and Chemistry sections were tougher and more time-consuming than the original paper, while Biology was relatively easier.
LANGUAGE SHOULD BE A CHOICE, NOT A COMPULSION
Vijay also strongly opposed the imposition of any language on students, a subject that has historically resonated in Tamil Nadu.
"Language should not be imposed on students, and we must unite on issues concerning Tamil Nadu's welfare," he said.
"If we unite on matters concerning Tamil Nadu's welfare, our state will become a leader in the country," he told the Assembly, urging political parties to rise above differences when it comes to issues affecting students and young people.
The Chief Minister argued that educational and cultural concerns should not become political battlegrounds and called for a collective approach to protecting the interests of Tamil Nadu's students.
Apart from education, Vijay briefly responded to criticism about his political journey and defended the electoral performance of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which contested the 2026 Assembly elections independently.
However, it was his remarks on NEET, student welfare and language policy that drew the most attention, reinforcing two issues that continue to shape education debates in the state.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has once again criticised the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), telling the Assembly that the examination places students from the state at a disadvantage.
Replying to the Governor's address, Vijay said educational policies should work in the interests of students rather than create additional barriers for them.
His comments came just days after the NEET re-examination was conducted on June 21 following the cancellation of the earlier test over alleged irregularities and a paper leak.
'NEET IS UNFAIR TO TAMIL NADU STUDENTS'
Opposition to NEET has remained a major issue in Tamil Nadu for several years, with political parties arguing that the national medical entrance examination places students from different educational backgrounds on an unequal footing.
While reiterating his government's stand, Vijay maintained that Tamil Nadu's concerns over the examination remain unresolved. The debate has gained fresh attention after reports of two medical aspirants allegedly dying by suicide within a span of 24 hours in the state.
The re-examination itself saw large participation, with over 1.42 lakh candidates from Tamil Nadu appearing at 307 centres across the state. Many students later told PTI that the Physics and Chemistry sections were tougher and more time-consuming than the original paper, while Biology was relatively easier.
LANGUAGE SHOULD BE A CHOICE, NOT A COMPULSION
Vijay also strongly opposed the imposition of any language on students, a subject that has historically resonated in Tamil Nadu.
"Language should not be imposed on students, and we must unite on issues concerning Tamil Nadu's welfare," he said.
"If we unite on matters concerning Tamil Nadu's welfare, our state will become a leader in the country," he told the Assembly, urging political parties to rise above differences when it comes to issues affecting students and young people.
The Chief Minister argued that educational and cultural concerns should not become political battlegrounds and called for a collective approach to protecting the interests of Tamil Nadu's students.
Apart from education, Vijay briefly responded to criticism about his political journey and defended the electoral performance of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which contested the 2026 Assembly elections independently.
However, it was his remarks on NEET, student welfare and language policy that drew the most attention, reinforcing two issues that continue to shape education debates in the state.
