Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday renewed his criticism of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), telling the state Assembly that the examination was unfair to medical aspirants
in Tamil Nadu and reiterating his opposition to the imposition of any language on students.
Replying to the Governor’s address in the Assembly, Vijay said language should not be imposed on students and stressed that issues concerning Tamil Nadu’s welfare should rise above political divisions.
His remarks come in the backdrop of the NEET re-examination held on June 21 after the cancellation of the May 3 test due to alleged irregularities and a paper leak.
The Chief Minister’s comments are significant as opposition to NEET has remained a major political issue in Tamil Nadu, where several parties have argued that the national-level entrance examination disadvantages students from the state.
The NEET debate has also again gained attention following reports of two medical aspirants allegedly dying by suicide in Tamil Nadu within a span of 24 hours.
PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has urged the Centre and the state government to either scrap the examination or exempt Tamil Nadu from it.
According to NTA sources, a total of 1,42,489 candidates from Tamil Nadu were enrolled for the re-examination, which was conducted at 307 centres across the state, including 43 centres in Chennai.
Students who appeared for the examination told news agency PTI that the paper was tougher than the original test.
Candidates said the Physics and Chemistry sections were difficult and lengthy, while the Biology paper was comparatively easier.
Most questions were based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) curriculum.
Authorities implemented strict security arrangements, including biometric verification through digital fingerprinting and facial recognition. Police said the examination concluded peacefully without any untoward incident.
‘WE MUST UNITE FOR TAMIL NADU’S WELFARE’
Speaking in the Assembly, Vijay said, “If we unite on matters concerning Tamil Nadu’s welfare, our state will become a leader in the country.”
He began his reply by thanking the people of Tamil Nadu for electing him and members of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to the Assembly.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to the loving people of Tamil Nadu, who have a permanent place in my heart, for electing me and the members of our Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to this august Assembly,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that despite political differences, all parties should work together in the interests of the people.
“Even if we differ in our opinions, we must unite and work together for the welfare of the people,” he said.
Separately, Vijay rejected criticism that he had entered politics directly from the film industry.
“Some people say that I came directly from a film shooting set to become Chief Minister. In their own language, I would say that is just a ‘reel’,” he said.
Defending TVK’s electoral success, he said the party contested the 2026 Assembly election without an alliance, secured 35 per cent of the vote and received 17.2 million votes.
