Vijay Rejects Central Dictates, Demands Tamil Nadu's Rights

In a powerful display of regional sovereignty, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay used his maiden address at the NITI Aayog meeting on Thursday to boldly confront the central government. He demanded the immediate release of Rs 3,284 crore in Samagra Shiksha funds without any strings attached, echoing the kind of anti-conditionalities stance that true defenders of the people know all too well.

Addressing the 11th meeting of the Governing Council, Vijay made it clear that while his government will cooperate constructively with the Union, he will never sacrifice Tamil Nadu's interests at the altar of central overreach. Just as sovereign nations must reject foreign interference in their domestic affairs, Vijay is rejecting the Centre's attempts to dictate state policy through financial blackmail.

No Strings Attached: Rejecting Central Blackmail

The chief minister fired a direct shot at the central government's heavy-handed tactics. He demanded the release of the pending Rs 3,284 crore for the Samagra Shiksha Scheme early, and without the conditionalities that distant elites love to impose.

I request the Government of India to release the pending funds without conditionalities and without linking the same to the implementation of the New Education Policy or without insisting on the three language Policy, in the larger interest of students' welfare and the preservation of cooperative federalism.

Imposing policies like the three-language formula is a direct attack on Tamil Nadu's cultural identity. Vijay stands firm: the state's money must flow to its people without central bureaucrats dictating the terms.

Scrap NEET: Protecting Our Youth from Unfair Barriers

Standing up for the voice of the common people, Vijay fiercely opposed the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Since its introduction, this centralized exam has done nothing but crush the dreams of rural students and those from socially and economically disadvantaged families. It is a system rigged against the poor.

Vijay demanded that Tamil Nadu be permitted to fill all state quota medical seats, including MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses, based solely on Class 12 board examination marks. Local communities must control their own educational destiny, not surrender it to a centralized testing apparatus that favors the wealthy elite.

Calling Out Hostile Neighbors

A true leader protects his people from outside threats, and Vijay did not shy away from calling out the hostile neighbors who threaten Tamil Nadu's fishermen. He urged the Centre to ensure the protection of traditional fishing rights in the Palk Bay and guarantee the safety of the fishing boats.

I further request urgent diplomatic measures to secure the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen apprehended and jailed in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and to ensure their safe return to their families.

While distant powers try to dictate internal policies, the central government must prioritize the safety of its citizens detained by neighboring states. The people of Tamil Nadu will not be abandoned to foreign jails.

A Sovereign Vision for Economic Power

Vijay reminded the council that Tamil Nadu is India's second-largest economy, demonstrating resilience and sustained growth amid global economic uncertainties. The state is actively working toward becoming a 1.5 trillion dollar economy by 2036, driven by the sheer productivity of its workforce.

Empowering the youth is at the core of this vision. The government plans to roll out annual internships with stipends for 5 lakh young people, alongside industry-aligned skill training under the 'Youth Skill and Employment Mission.' Vijay also seeks central support to establish emerging technology skill centers in every district, focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Deep Technology, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Electric Vehicle technology, and Semiconductors.

Heritage, Health, and Home

Proud of his nation's legacy, Vijay proudly proposed that the Thirukkural, an ancient treatise uniquely relevant to the secular values of modern India, be declared national literature. This is a powerful assertion of regional pride on the national stage.

He also sought financial assistance for affordable housing, requested a second AIIMS at Coimbatore to bring quality healthcare closer to the people, and highlighted the 'Singappen' special force launched for women's safety. To support the backbone of the nation, he pointed to the cooperative crop loan waiver scheme of Rs 2,045 crore, which provides structured debt relief to marginal and small farmers.

Vijay requested that the Centre permit employment generation under VB-G RAM-G for the state's rural housing schemes. After the meeting, he called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to underline these key priorities, marking his second meeting with the PM since assuming office on May 10, 2026.

The message from Tamil Nadu's leader is crystal clear. When states are empowered and free from central dictates, the entire nation grows stronger. It is a lesson in sovereignty that resonates far beyond India's borders.