New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay delivered a strong defence of his government in the Assembly on Tuesday, rejecting criticism of his party and reiterating his administration’s firm stance against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the three-language policy.
Responding to those who questioned the political credibility of his party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader said the party’s rise to power was the result of years of struggle and public support. He pointed out that the party secured a significant share of votes in the recent Assembly elections despite facing numerous challenges and political opposition.
Vijay asserted that his government would remain focused on serving the people and would not be distracted by criticism. He said the party had earned its place through hard work and determination and had no intention of stepping back from its responsibilities.
Addressing the ongoing debate over NEET, the Chief Minister maintained that the examination system creates inequality among students and reiterated Tamil Nadu’s longstanding demand for its abolition. He argued that opportunities in medical education should not be determined by a single national examination and supported admission processes based on academic performance at the school level.
On the language issue, Vijay reaffirmed his government’s commitment to Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy. He stated that Tamil and English are sufficient for students in the state and rejected calls for the adoption of a three-language framework. The Chief Minister emphasised that Tamil remains central to the state’s identity, while English provides access to global opportunities.
Vijay also spoke about the tragic stampede at Karur that claimed 41 lives, expressing deep sorrow over the incident. He criticised attempts to politicise the tragedy and said the loss of lives would remain a painful memory.
Drawing comparisons with past political milestones in Tamil Nadu, Vijay positioned his administration as a government dedicated to the welfare of ordinary citizens. He stressed that his vision was centred on the welfare of every family in the state rather than the interests of any single political family, promising a governance model focused on inclusivity and development.
