"Abolish NEET": CM Joseph Vijay launches scathing attack on Union Government

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister S. Joseph Vijay has intensified his opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), calling for its immediate abolition in the wake of the recent paper leak controversy. Critiquing the Union Government’s handling of the national medical entrance exam, the Chief Minister urged for a return to merit-based admissions tied to Class 12 results.

Chief Minister Vijay described the cancellation of the exam as a devastating blow to the aspirations of millions of students nationwide. He argued that the current examination format disproportionately disadvantages rural students, government school attendees, and those studying in the Tamil medium. Consequently, the Tamil Nadu government has formally petitioned the Centre to restore the authority of individual states to oversee admissions for MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH programs based on higher secondary performance.

The controversy stems from the May 3 examination, which saw a turnout of over 2.2 million candidates, including 140,000 from Tamil Nadu. Evidence of a widespread question paper leak prompted the Union Government to scrap the results and hand the case over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Reiterating his administration's stance, Chief Minister Vijay affirmed that Tamil Nadu will persist in its long-term legal and political battle against the implementation of NEET to ensure equitable access to medical education.